Manchester United

Sean Kearns
BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United lost for the 16th time in the Premier League this season with a 4-3 defeat by Brentford in north-west London.

Midfielder Mason Mount gave the visitors the lead with his second goal for the club, finishing off a fine cross from winger Alejandro Garnacho.

But Brentford scored four without reply, levelling through an own goal by defender Luke Shaw before taking the lead through Kevin Schade.

The 23-year-old grabbed his second of the game, heading in a cross by Bryan Mbeumo before Yoanne Wissa scored a fourth.

Garnacho scored a stunning long-range strike to cut the deficit to two, before winger Amad Diallo scored in the fifth minute of injury time to ensure it was a nervy finish for the Bees.

The defeat leaves United in 15th, on 39 points from 35 matches.

Attention switches now to Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, with United holding a 3-0 aggregate lead.

If defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium wasn't bad enough, injury to Matthijs De Ligt made the afternoon even worse.

The Dutchman went down before Brentford's second goal and was replaced by Harry Maguire.

Image source, Getty Images

Ruben Amorim spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Manchester United's defeat against Brentford: "I liked [the performance of] the young kids. I liked how we controlled the game without many occasions to score. In first 30 mins we struggle with set pieces but we already knew we didn't have the height to fight that. In second half we are near the draw and we suffer two goals like we did in beginning when we suffer one and let it go. We fight but in the end we lose but good things for the future."

On changes to his starting line-up: "We as a club we need to understand in this moment we have a big responsibility. We have to prepare a squad for different competitions.

On injury to De Ligt: "I don't know. We will see. I hope it's nothing serious. We took a risk with Maguire. Shaw had to go out because we need players for Thursday.

On the second leg against Bilbao: "I think it's stressful to lose games. When we're fighting for a title it's not stressful."

Image source, Getty Images

With an average age of 22 years and 270 days, Manchester United's starting XI against Brentford was the third-youngest any side has ever named for a Premier League match, behind only Middlesbrough v Fulham in May 2006 (20y 181d) and Arsenal v Portsmouth in May 2009 (22y 237d).

Aged 17 years 156 days, Chido Obi was the youngest player ever to start a Premier League match for Manchester United. He was one of six starters aged 20 or younger for the Red Devils against Brentford, with only Middlesbrough ever starting as many or more in a single Premier League match (8 vs. Fulham in May 2006).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Brentford's performance

What did you make of United's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies.

Intro referencing day, competition and number of matches.

• Brentford v Manchester United

• Brighton v Newcastle - BBC Radio 5 Live

• West Ham v Tottenham

• Chelsea v Liverpool (16:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

We know Manchester United are going to make changes here, because seeing out the second leg of their Europa League semi-final with Athletic Bilbao is their priority.

Ruben Amorim's side nicked a point at the very end of their game at Bournemouth last weekend, which sparked mass celebrations, but I really don't see them doing the same against Brentford - they won't be getting the bunting out this time.

The Bees are such a dangerous team when they come forward and they will keep on attacking United. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa should get plenty of chances and I can see them getting a goal or two between them.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

The Manchester United players and coaching staff know the importance of the Europa League in terms of reaching the Champions League and what that means for finances and recruitment.

And United have to recruit in the summer - that is a must.

With the players they have at the minute, they are better suited to European football as opposed to the Premier League and the physical output it demands.

They have the players to win the Europa League - but given the team they are, doing so is more important for fellow crisis club Tottenham.

The Old Trafford club are interested in a move for Matheus Cunha and I believe the Wolves forward has everything a United team would want in the formation he would play.

He has had moments of ill-discipline this season, but a lot of that can be chalked up to the frustration that comes with being in a relegation battle for long periods and playing alongside players you are better than.

You cannot question the qualities he possesses and the attitude he has in-game in terms of wanting to do anything to win.

Cunha would bring a big boost to United and if they were to recruit other players alongside him, I think you would see that frustration a lot less.

I really like him as a player and think he would be a real positive for Ruben Amorim.

United are lucky they still have their historic appeal and reputation as a club, so players of the Brazilian's quality and potential want to move there.

If he does, there is no doubt he improved the squad.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

United We Stand editor Andy Mitten tells The Football News Show about his interaction with Harry Maguire following Manchester United's 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg, and says the defender has done well to bounce back from intense criticism over recent seasons.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim says he will not "risk" some players in the trip to Brentford on Sunday.

United are in control of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, but with a Premier League game in between the two legs, Amorim outlined what the priorities are.

"The first thing is that the players at risk of injury will not play," he said.

"For example, Noussair [Mazraoui] is at risk and we have to manage the players. We will assess today, and the next day, and pick the best players available.

"The process is going to be tough, but we are Manchester United and we can't go in to a game without thinking that we can win."

Another positive for United on Thursday was the return of Amad Diallo for the first time since February.

The 22-year-old came on as a late substitute for Patrick Dorgu in Bilbao, and Amorim is happy to see him back on the pitch.

"Losing Amad was really tough for us," he said. "It was also hard for Amad because he had been playing so well for us.

"He is a player with different characteristics to [Alejandro] Garnacho because he is strong on his left foot, so now we have more options and this is massive for us."

Listen to live commentary of Brentford v Man Utd on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra at 14:00 on Sunday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson says Manchester United put in "a very professional performance" against Athletic Bilbao and it is a massive step towards a place in the Europa League final.

"That is the best I have seen them play under Ruben Amorim," said Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "They were excellent.

"Granted, they were playing against 10 men but they still had to do a job. In the first 20 minutes they came under pressure, but they rode the storm and then the penalty changed the game.

"United completely controlled the game and it was a very professional performance to go three goals up by half-time.

"This formation and style seems to suit European football. Not conceding was the important thing for them and it was an excellent performance to preserve that."

Ex-United defender Phil Jones also praised "the key spine" of United players that really stepped up to the occasion.

Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Harry Maguire "were the leaders", said Jones.

He added: "There have been a lot of times this season where members of that team have been criticised - and rightly so - because a club of this stature should never lose 15 Premier League games in a season.

"But there is no way you can criticise them them in the Europa League."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts on Manchester United's Europa League semi-final first leg win at Athletic Bilbao.

Here are some of your comments:

Adam: Nights like this are why some people like myself still have hope in United. Great performance and Harry Maguire, what a display. This season he has defended, scored and showed his skills. He has definitely done his part in Europe. Great performance from the captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro has been much better this season.

Sandip: Where has my team been all season? We rode our luck but we were always a threat. I will be at Old Trafford next Thursday to see us get the job done (I hope).

Andy: Outstanding display by United. I have been the first, and most vocal, to criticise both the players and the club over recent years. I stand by that criticism. We have a lot of hard work ahead to get back to peak performance. Nonetheless, this was an excellent result. And, off the back of the Miracle of Old Trafford just a few days ago, we must now see ourselves as real favourites to lift this trophy.

Iain: A nervy opening 15 minutes, but settled down with a turn and a cross from Maguirinho. Casemiro seems to have found his place in the Europa League, using his vast experience to guide the team through. Almost to a man, the team played well for the rest of the match. We should bring on - from 60 minutes onwards - more kids against Brentford [on Sunday]. This tie isn't quite over but things are looking up now.

Sanj: United were wonderful. If only they could play with such purpose in the Premier League!

Bernard: At last a team performance. It was the best we've played this season. Now we have to finish the job and that includes against Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt.

Image source, Getty Images

Since the Europa League was rebranded in 2009-2010, no team to play in the final or win the competition has finished lower than 12th in their domestic league.

Manchester United are currently 14th and Tottenham are 16th in the Premier League.

In addition, since 2014-15 winning the Europa League has meant a place in the following season's Champions League competition.

Sevilla two seasons ago were the lowest domestic team (12th) to do that.

Image source, Getty Images

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson declared Manchester United's performance against Athletic Bilbao as "the best under Ruben Amorim" after they won 3-0 in their Europa League semi-final first leg.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "They were excellent - granted they were playing against 10 men - but they still had to do a job. From that point Manchester United completely controlled the game.

"There's no way a team of Manchester United's stature should lose 15 games in a Premier League season. When things like that happen, criticism will come but there's no way you can criticise them for the way they've played in this Europa League.

"They're still the only team unbeaten in the Europa League. If only they played on a Thursday night every night."

Ex-Tottenham and Aston Villa winger Andros Townsend agreed, stating United were already starting to exert their authority when Athletic had a man sent off.

"Bilbao started the game the better and it was only when Casemiro gave United the lead that the tide turned," said Townsend.

"The game had turned just before the red card happened. Manchester United learned the lesson that they almost suffered against Lyon. There were no risks - a very professional performance."

Image source, Express and Mirror

That was more like it!

Manchester United took a big step towards reaching the Europa League final with a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in Spain.

Captain Bruno Fernandes starred, scoring twice, to give United a healthy lead going into the second-leg at Old Trafford next week.

It is the Portuguese international that features on many of Friday's newspaper back pages as, once again, he stepped up when it mattered most.

Manager Ruben Amorim has however warned against complacency, stating: "I think they have to think about the second leg.

"And they have to think more about the first 20 minutes than the rest of the game because the game is going to be really tough.

"There is no away goals so anything can change and that is my message to the players, and we have to think now about Brentford and then the second leg."