Brentford boosted their chances of European qualification with an electrifying 4-3 victory over Manchester United in a Premier League clash at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The match saw Brentford come from behind to secure all three points, with Kevin Schade netting twice and Yoane Wissa adding a crucial fourth. United had initially taken the lead through Mason Mount, but a Luke Shaw own goal and Schade’s powerful header turned the tide in Brentford’s favour before half-time.
The game was not without controversy. United were incensed that play continued in the build-up to Brentford’s second goal while defender Matthijs de Ligt was down injured. Schade capitalised on the situation, rising above the defence to score his first of the evening.
The Dutch defender, who only just returned from injury, pulled up with a hamstring problem, further deepening United’s defensive woes ahead of a vital Europa League clash against Athletic Bilbao.
Despite Brentford’s dominance in the second half, United mounted a late comeback. After Schade and Wissa extended Brentford’s lead to 4-1, Alejandro Garnacho reignited United’s hopes with a long-range stunner.
Amad Diallo added another deep into injury time, but Brentford held on to record a famous win that moved them up to ninth on the Premier League table, just a point behind Bournemouth in eighth.
For United manager Ruben Amorim, the result was a blow both in terms of points and player availability.
The Portuguese coach made eight changes to preserve key players for the Europa League, but De Ligt’s setback and the team’s defensive fragility exposed the risk of fielding a rotated side.
With other key defenders like Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot already out, United now face an uphill battle to finish the season strongly.
Brentford, meanwhile, are gathering momentum at just the right time. Their attacking trio has been prolific, with Schade becoming the third player to score at least 10 goals in the league for the Bees this season, a feat unmatched by any other club. Their tally of 62 goals is among the highest in the league, behind only Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, and Arsenal.
With three winnable games remaining against Ipswich, Fulham, and Wolves, Brentford’s dream of European football is alive and well. A strong finish could see them qualify for Europe for the first time since their 1992 Anglo-Italian Cup campaign. With form and confidence on their side, the Bees look well poised to make history.
