Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes had a penalty saved as his team slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, Igor Thiago scoring twice for the host side.
Fernandes was made to wait several minutes to try to equalise with his penalty, awarded for a clear foul on former Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, and his weak effort was easily saved low down by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Brentford wrapped it up in stoppage time when Mathias Jensen netted with a powerful effort following a quick break.
It was yet another disjointed performance by Ruben Amorim’s United, which was 0-2 down after 20 minutes.
Thiago rifled a shot into the top corner after being sent clear by Jordan Henderson’s pinpoint through ball in the eighth minute and doubled his side’s lead from close range after United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could only push a low cross into his path.
Striker Benjamin Sesko scored his first goal for United in the 26th minute, slamming home after his first two efforts were blocked in a goalmouth scramble.
But the visiting side never really built any momentum after the break as it suffered its third league loss of the season.
After beating Chelsea last time out, there was hope that United could build on that victory.
But the old failings were there for all to see, especially in defence, and Brentford thoroughly deserved a win that will once again put the spotlight on Amorim’s future at Old Trafford.
Defeat left his side 13th in the table with seven points, while Brentford moved above it on goal difference.
Fernandes looked crestfallen at the end as he applauded United’s visiting fans — his penalty miss was the key moment in a game that lacked real quality.
Published on Sep 27, 2025
