Brentford heaped yet more pressure on Ruben Amorim with a convincing 3-1 win over a struggling Manchester United side in the Premier League.
The hosts got off to a dream start at the Gtech as Igor Thiago beat the offside trap before rifling in a half-volley off the post within eight minutes, before the Brazilian secured his brace with a tap-in after Altay Bayindir pushed a cross straight to him.
The Bees piled on the pressure from there but United were back into it soon enough, with Benjamin Sesko scoring his first goal for the club after rifling in a rebound from point-blank range.
That goal gave the visitors a lifeline as the teams headed into the break, though neither side was able to take control of the second half, before Caoimhin Kelleher made himself a hero as he saved Bruno Fernandes’ penalty.
And there was time for the hosts to wrap it up too, Mathias Jensen rifling in from range to secure a vital three points for the Bees.
Follow all the latest build-up and updates from the Gtech below:
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Brentford vs Man Utd LIVE
- Brentford beat Manchester United in the Premier League
- 90 +5' GOAL! Jensen wraps it up with stunning long-range effort [BRE 3-1 MUN]
- 74' PENALTY SAVED! Kelleher saves well from Fernandes [BRE 2-1 MUN]
- 26' GOAL! Sesko scores first United goal after rebound [BRE 2-1 MUN]
- 19' GOAL! Thiago gets a brace after tapping in [BRE 2-0 MUN]
- 8' GOAL! Thiago beats offside trap to rifle in opener [BRE 1-0 MUN]
Brentford FC 3 - 1 Manchester United FC
Manchester United’s issues have never been clearer so why are they sticking with Ruben Amorim?
16:29
,
Mike Jones
It was just one of many contradictions, that add up to a lot of confusion about Manchester United, especially as regards where they go next. In Saturday’s latest setback, the obvious focus was on how they struggled with Brentford’s bombardment. United’s own backline couldn’t help but just look at high balls raining down on them. Ruben Amorim himself mentioned “long balls”.
And yet while that approach presented the Portuguese with his most immediate problem - particularly with how United quickly went 2-0 down to two Igor Thiago goals - it wasn’t the main problem.
Joe Cole urges Man Utd hierarchy to ‘change direction’ after latest humiliating defeat
16:00
,
Mike Jones
Former Chelsea and England winger Joe Cole has suggested that Manchester United “need a different direction” after their loss to Brentford in the Premier League.
The 3-1 defeat to the Bees was the latest loss of Amorim’s tenure, with the Portuguese yet to win back-to-back league games. He has earned just 34 points from 33 league matches since taking over in November 2024.
Andrews reacts
15:50
,
Chris Wilson
“It was a special afternoon, a result that we deserved. I was really proud of the performance,” says Bees boss Keith Andrews.
“The game swings in different ways and you have to react, but you could see it’s a team effort.
“You need to try and remain calm. I had Plan A and B up my sleeve, and Caoimhin [Kelleher] produced an amazing save. From there we settled down.”
He praises Igor Thiago too, adding: “I’ve always been aware of his qualities. His contribution to this team was never in doubt.”
Premier league fixtures today
15:42
,
Chris Wilson
Plenty more interesting top-flight fixtures taking place this weekend. Here’s a full list:
3pm BST
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
Manchester City vs Burnley
Chelsea vs Brighton
Leeds vs Bournemouth
5.30pm BST
Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland
8pm BST
Tottenham vs Wolves
Sunday, 28 September
Aston Villa vs Fulham - 2pm
Newcastle vs Arsenal - 4.30pm
Monday, 29 September
Everton vs West Ham
Next up
15:30
,
Chris Wilson
United’s next game comes against Sunderland a week today, with that one kicking off at 3pm on Saturday, 4 October.
Brentford face Manchester City at home next weekend, with their match kicking off at 4.30pm on Sunday, 5 October.
Amorim: 'We didn't play our game'
15:23
,
Chris Wilson
"Of course we want to win. We didn't control the game. We played the game of Brentford,” says Amorim in his interview.
“First balls, second balls, set pieces. All the crucial moments were against us. Tough to lose again but we need to think about the next one.
"The first goal was a long ball. We worked on that in the week, and on set pieces. We knew the long balls (were coming) and one touch they had the opportunity. We need to do better.
"We didn't play our game. We only had control for some moments. But it was more or less all the same. We need to play our games, not the opponents, but they were stronger on that."
On pressure on his job after another defeat, he adds: "It is always the same to lose at this club, it hurts a lot. We need to think about the next one."
Bruno Fernandes’ penalty miss piles more misery on Manchester United
15:21
,
Mike Jones
Bruno Fernandes failed from the penalty spot again as Manchester United were beaten 3-1 at Brentford.
Igor Thiago’s first-half double put Brentford in command before United were handed a lifeline by Benjamin Sesko’s first goal since his £73m move from RB Leipzig.
Substitute Mathias Jensen sealed matters in the fifth of eight minutes of stoppage time after Fernandes had wasted a golden chance to equalise with the contest having moved into the final quarter.
More from Henderson
15:15
,
Chris Wilson
“I wanted to come back to play in the Premier League, to get that buzz back, enjoying my football and having that opportunity,” says Henderson.
“But of course, I know that if I’m playing well then I want to be in that England squad ready to try and win the World Cup!
“I am pleased to be back, but at the same time I feel I learned a lot in those years of being away.
“I’m grateful for that period I had away, and there were some really good moments.”
Henderson: 'A really good feeling to be back'
15:07
,
Chris Wilson
“I’m grateful, excited by the opportune to come back and play in the Premier League,” says Henderson on his return.
“A really good feeling to be back, playing at the higher tlevel week in, week out. I’m trying to enjoy it as much as possible, and today ws a good one for us,” he says.
“It’s a big three points for its and to be honest i thought we deserved it, we played well.
On his role: “I just try to be myself. When you get older and more experienced, people talk about leadership all the time, but you just be yourself. First and foremost I need to do my job on the pitch really.”
Kelleher & Collins react
14:57
,
Chris Wilson
Nathan Collins says he “had trust in” Kelleher, having “seen him do it [save penalties] before”.
“Unbelievable. He's been so fluid, we've needed him. He’s been top class,” he adds.
“I don’t think we’re at our best. Today, we had spells where we weren't good enough. This is the bottom standard for us, there’s more to come,” he explains as he finishes.
Kelleher says he thinks the save “was important, an important time in the game. It’s a big save and we did well to finish it off and get the win.
“It’s been brilliant, Nathan has helped me a lot. It’s a merely good club and we need more days like this now,” adds the ‘keeper on his arrival at Brentford.
FULL-TIME! Brentford 3-1 Man Utd
14:46
,
Chris Wilson
That result means Brentford climb above United, moving from 17th to 11th for now with seven points from six games.
United stay in 13th for now but could find themselves 17th if Burnley managed to pull off a surprise win over City later today.
FULL-TIME! Brentford 3-1 Man Utd
14:40
,
Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Brentford 3-1 Man Utd
14:37
,
Chris Wilson
Well, what a result for Brentford and Keith Andrews. The Bees put in a solid performance and rarely looked too troubled as they earned a deserved win against a struggling United.
For the visitors, that will only add more pressure to Ruben Amorim ahead of a potentially difficult period.
FULL-TIME! Brentford 3-1 Man Utd
14:31
,
Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME!
That is that, with Brentford almost scoring again before the referee blows the final whistle.
It has the feeling of the beginning of the end for Amorim.
GOAL! Brentford 3-1 Man Utd
14:27
,
Chris Wilson
90 +5 mins
GOAL! That has wrapped it up, as a Jensen thunderbolt flies past Bayindir!
The Bees win it on the edge of their box and a couple of crips passes release Yarmoliuk, who ships it on to Jensen.
It’s a 2-v-2 as the midfielder drives towards the box, and he looks up before rifling in an effort from just outside the area!
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:25
,
Chris Wilson
90 +4 mins
Brentford get forward and work an opening but it ends with Janelt firing a half-cross, half-shot well wide.
The Bees are managing to keep possession late on here, while limiting United’s chances.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:23
,
Chris Wilson
90 +2 mins
Half a chance for United as Dalot’s cross finds Zirkzee at the back post, but the Dutchman can't direct a header on target.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:21
,
Chris Wilson
90 mins
We’ll have eight added minutes here. Admittedly, it doesn’t look like a United equaliser is close, though.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:20
,
Chris Wilson
89 mins
We should have a decent chunk of added time here as Mainoo shepherds Schade off the ball in the United box before Cunha wins a free-kick on the counter.
One more sub for the Bees, as Thiago comes off for Jensen.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:18
,
Chris Wilson
88 mins
Mbeumo gets another crossing chance but again Kelleher collects well. At the other end, Mount does well to win the ball near his own box before winning a free-kick.
It’s scrappy towards the end, just as the hosts will want.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:17
,
Chris Wilson
86 mins
The free-kick comes to nothing but Brentford almost work a chance as Thiago can’t quite get it under control in the box before de Ligt win a goal kick.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:15
,
Chris Wilson
84 mins
Almost a nightmare for de Ligt as he slips in the area when covering a though ball, but Yoro is there to clear.
There’s a VAR check for handball on the Dutchman, as the ball hit his hand as he slipped, but it’s cleared.
The hosts win a free-kick after a cheap foul from Dorgu, who is yellow carded before making way for Joshua Zirkzee.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:13
,
Chris Wilson
80 mins
United deliver a long throw and it evades the men in the box before de Ligt hooks an effort wide from the penalty spot.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:11
,
Chris Wilson
78 mins
It looks like it could be Brentford’s day here, though Schade gets a yellow for stopping a United counter.
Luke Shaw makes way for Mason Mount for United.
Brentford make two subs as well, as Henderson and Damsgaard come off for Janelt and Onyeka.
PENALTY SAVED! Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:07
,
Chris Wilson
76 mins
SAVED! Bruno Fernandes steps up and it’s a tame effort, not enough power as Kelleher guesses right and saves low!
PENALTY! Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:05
,
Chris Wilson
73 mins
It stays yellow. Strange decision, that. It’s very similar to the red card that bilbao were given in the first leg of the Europa League.
Anyway, Fernandes to take the penalty as Ouattara and Hickey come off for Rico Henry and Keane Lewis-Potter.
PENALTY! Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:04
,
Chris Wilson
72 mins
PENALTY! It’s given!
Dalot threads a pass to Cunha on the overlap and he fires in an early cross to Mbeumo. He looks set for a tap-in but is dragged down by the collar by Collins, and there’s no disputing that one.
On paper, this should be a red card, and that’s being checked.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
14:02
,
Chris Wilson
71 mins
United are starting to keep possession better, especially with the help of Mainoo, but they’re not getting into positive areas in attack yet.
There are shouts for a penalty though as Mbeumo is dragged down as he tried to get onto Cunha’s cross!
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:59
,
Chris Wilson
69 mins
Not a lot happening at the Gtech, as Mbeumo’s early cross is straight out for a goal kick.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:57
,
Chris Wilson
65 mins
Subs for United as Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo come on for Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:55
,
Chris Wilson
63 mins
CLOSE! The best chance of the half goes to Brentford.
The ball forward is kept in by Schade and he evades the challenge before laying the cutback off to Ouattara.
He hits a low shot to the far corner but Bayindir gets down well to claw it away.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:52
,
Chris Wilson
61 mins
Ugarte dispossessed far too easily in midfield and the hosts launch an attack that is ended via a foul from Dorgu.
From the free-kick, the ball is nodded on to van den Berg, who can’t get clean contact on it from a few yards out. It bobbles harmlessly to Bayindir in the end.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:50
,
Chris Wilson
59 mins
More possession for United but they aren’t doing a lot with it before Fernandes fizzes in a low cross that Kelleher collects easily.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:48
,
Chris Wilson
58 mins
Half a chance for United as Fernandes sweeps it wide to Mbeumo, who curls in an early cross that is over Sesko and inches away from Dorgu at the back post.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:47
,
Chris Wilson
56 mins
A booking for Fernandes as he catches the inside of Ouattara’s knee with high challenge. There’s a VAR review, but it stays yellow.
Another free-kick for Brentford, this one further out, and Shaw heads clear before the offside flag goes up.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:45
,
Chris Wilson
54 mins
Such a cheap foul from de Ligt, who has had a pretty poor game so far. He barges Hickey over on the wing and the hosts will have a chance to put in a dangerous delivery.
Damsgaard delivers but Dorgu heads clear, with the hosts retaining possession.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:43
,
Chris Wilson
51 mins
Good work from United as Sesko brings it down and lays it off to Mbeumo, who finds Cunha on the overlap.
The Brazilian derives towards goal but sees his tame effort from distance easily saved.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:41
,
Chris Wilson
49 mins
Once again, both sides are struggling to get control of this one as the second half begins. Plenty of pinball in midfield and on the wing near United’s box.
United get away with one though as poor de Ligt header goes to Damsgaard, who narrowly misses out on slipping the through ball in.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:37
,
Chris Wilson
46 mins
A long throw almost immediately for the hosts. Can they trouble United from the off?
Kayode delivers but Bayindir takes it well.
KICK-OFF! Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:36
,
Chris Wilson
Back underway in the capital! No changes from either side.
HALF-TIME! Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:34
,
Chris Wilson
Nightmare start for United but a dream for Brentford as Igor Thiago’s brace put them in control early on, with the opener a superb finish.
The hosts looked likely to get a third before Sesko eventually scrambled in, and United have been improved since then despite not really testing Kelleher.
This one could go either way and it makes for an intriguing second half up next!
HALF-TIME! Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:29
,
Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:21
,
Chris Wilson
45 +5 mins
Bayindir goes long with the free-kick and the referee brings the half to an end, with United going into the break behind after an early flurry from the Bees gave them the lead!
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:20
,
Chris Wilson
45 +4 mins
A final long throw of the half for Brentford. It goes in towards Collins and Maguire manages to head it away before Cunha wins a cheap foul on the edge of his area. That should be that.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:19
,
Chris Wilson
45 +2 mins
Brentford are ending the half on top, knocking it around nicely over the last couple of minutes.
Damsgaard threads a pass through to Thiago, who just about fails to get it under control as de Ligt comes across the slide in.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:17
,
Chris Wilson
45 mins
Another long throw from Dalot, but Thiago clears this one before Shaw puts a stop to Schade on the counter.
We’ll have four minutes of added time at the Gtech.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:16
,
Chris Wilson
44 mins
Brentford’s first bit of sustained possession in a while ends with Damsgaard winning a throw, but they go short and Outtara’s teasing cross is headed clear by de Ligt.
United try to counter with Mbeumo, but Hickey gets across to put it out.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:13
,
Chris Wilson
41 mins
Neither side can really get a foothold here, and while United have been the better side since conceding, there’s very little in it especially in terms of clear-cut chances.
Brentford win a free-kick in their half and Kelleher goes long, though de Ligt heads away.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:10
,
Chris Wilson
39 mins
Diogo Dalot is the latest player to try the long throw, which hasn’t been an option often for United much this season. It’s cleared easily enough by Collins though, before Fernandes sees a pass roll straight out of play.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:09
,
Chris Wilson
37 mins
Encouraging stuff from United as Sesko wriggles out of trouble on the wing near halfway, threading a pass through to Cunha.
The Brazilian sees the space open up in front of him and hits a shot that is deflected out for a corner. Fernandes is irritated as he'd made a great overlapping run.
From the set-piece, the original delivery is cleared before Kelleher collects the follow-up.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:07
,
Chris Wilson
35 mins
Another chance for a long-throw, but Maguire rises high to head this one clear before Mbeumo wins the ball back.
The throw-ins and set-pieces remain a real threat for the hosts though.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:05
,
Chris Wilson
33 mins
The match has settled bit now after a frantic 20 minutes or so. Neither side is managing to keep the ball for an extended period though, as Dorgu wins a free-kick off Damsgaard to give everyone a breather.
Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:03
,
Chris Wilson
31 mins
More pressure from United as Dorgu wins a free-kick near the area, but it’s cleared before Cunha wins a corner off the rebound.
Some nerves around the Gtech now, though Brentford clear the corner and almost launch a counter-attack before Ugarte sniffs out the danger.
GOAL! Brentford 2-1 Man Utd
13:00
,
Chris Wilson
27 mins
GOAL! It’s scrappy, but United won’t care! Brentford are protesting that it might have gone out of play, or there might have been a foul on Kelleher, but it looks okay.
The ball is fired long towards Dorgu on the left wing, and he just about manages to keep it in as he hits a looping high cross.
It troubles Kelleher and he can’t clear it under pressure from Mbeumo, and it runs straight to Sesko a few yards out. His initial header is saved before the follow-up shot is cleared off the line, but it’s third time lucky as it rebounds kindly and he rifles it in from point-blank range!
Brentford 2-0 Man Utd
12:57
,
Chris Wilson
25 mins
Brentford win a free-kick in a dangerous area near the box, and this could be another troublesome delivery.
Damsgaard swings it in and the header reaches Bayindir, but the foul is given on de Ligt anyway. Nevertheless, Brentford are absolutely dominating the visitors on set-pieces.
Brentford 2-0 Man Utd
12:55
,
Chris Wilson
22 mins
United are a little shellshocked here and they look tp reply quickly, but Sesko’s shot from distance flies harmlessly wide.
GOAL! Brentford 2-0 Man Utd
12:53
,
Chris Wilson
19 mins
GOAL! It’s another for Thiago!
United are undone by another long ball, as Thiago chests it down to Schade. He races into the box and forces Byindir to punch away the cross, but it goes straight to Thiago, who squeezes a low finish under the United ‘keeper!
Arguably a poor initial punch from Bayindir, but Brentford won’t care!
Brentford 1-0 Man Utd
12:50
,
Chris Wilson
18 mins
CLOSE!
Two good saves in as many minutes from Bayindir!
The first comes a corner as van den Berg heads too close to the ‘keeper and he claws it away.
Moments later, he pulls off an even better stop as the early cross is headed towards the top corner by Collins, and Bayindir does brilliantly to tip it over.
The Bees are on top here!
Brentford 1-0 Man Utd
12:47
,
Chris Wilson
15 mins
Nice combinations on the left from United but Sesko’s attempted pass wide to Mbeumo is cut out.
Brentford win another throw-in and it’ll be chucked into the box. It’s another dangerous effort, with Kayode nearly throwing it straight into the net as Bayindir is forced to punch it behind.
Fernandes heads the corner away for now.
Brentford 1-0 Man Utd
12:44
,
Chris Wilson
12 mins
United look to respond immediately and Cunha drives towards goal before firing wide from just outside the box.
The Brazilian has picked up some good positions in the pockets already today.
GOAL! Brentford 1-0 Man Utd
12:41
,
Chris Wilson
8 mins
GOAL! What has happened here?
It’s a superb finish whatever happened.
It all starts from a United attack, with the final ball again mis-placed.
Brentford win it on the edge of the box and they lump it long to Thiago, who is immediately clean through as Maguire has misjudged the offside line.
He races through and into the box, and hits a superb half-volley that crashes straight past Bayindir! No chance for the ‘keeper!
There is a VAR check for offside but it’s cleared, and Brentford lead!
Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
12:37
,
Chris Wilson
5 mins
Half a chance for United as they win the ball near halfway, and it’s their first meaningful attack.
Cunha threads it through to Sesko, who sees his shot blocked before his lay-off to the Brazilian is mis-placed.
Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
12:34
,
Chris Wilson
3 mins
Some early possession for the hosts, and they keep the pressure on as Maguire is forced to clear the ball straight out for a throw.
It’s the first long throw-in of the game. Can the hosts test United with these?
It’s not a bad first effort, but there's too much on it and it goes straight to Bayindir on his line.
KICK-OFF! Brentford 0-0 Man Utd
12:31
,
Chris Wilson
We’re underway at the Gtech! Bryan Mbeumo gets the match started against his old club.
Brentford vs Man Utd LIVE
12:26
,
Chris Wilson
Both sides are getting ready in the tunnel at the Gtech, and we’ll be underway soon here.
An intriguing match awaits, especially as it seems like you never know what you’re going to get with these two.
That’s become obvious with United – who are looking to win consecutive Premier League matches for the first time under Amorim – though it seems the case with Brentford too, with the Bees losing heavily away last week despite putting in an encouraging performance against Chelsea at home a fortnight ago.
Match stats
12:20
,
Chris Wilson
Manchester United are winless in their last seven away Premier League matches (D2 L5) since a 3-0 win at Leicester in March. The Red Devils last had a longer run without an away win between March and October 2019 (eight games).
Brentford have conceded 10 goals in their five Premier League games this season, their most at this stage of a league season since 2003/04 in the third tier (also 10). Only Burnley (95) have faced more shots in 2025/26 than the Bees (70).
United have had the most shots in the Premier League this season (81), while Brentford have had the fewest (41).
What the managers said
12:15
,
Chris Wilson
New Brentford boss Keith Andrews said United have “a very talented set of players and a very defined way of playing the game”, before adding that he is “ looking forward to getting back on home soil tomorrow”.
“We are forming a new team. There's been a lot of change at the football club, myself included. We're making steps, and sometimes those steps aren't in the direction we want. I think you have to accept that. You have to understand that.
“It's really important for me to maintain the type of environment that's been created here, where players can develop. We put internal pressure on ourselves. We don't particularly need the external pressure to fuel anything from within. I think there's that intrinsic motivation as an individual and all to be collectively, to be the best versions of ourselves. And that's not always going to be perfect."
What the managers said
12:10
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