Kristoffer Ajer’s 99th-minute equaliser for Brentford denied Manchester United an undeserved victory in a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Mason Mount scored his first goal for United deep into added-time after Brentford had dominated proceedings, hitting the woodwork four times and facing an inspired Andre Onana.
Ajer’s late strike after some fine work from Toney deservedly gave Brentford a late and deserved point. They are now five points clear of the drop-zone.
Here are the five things we learned from the game…
Stoppage time drama
Against the run of play, substitute Mason Mount scored a dramatic 96th minute goal, his first for Man United, on his return to the team after injury. An immediate response from Brentford saw them go down the other end of the pitch and score a 99th minute equaliser having failed to find the net until then, despite their many chances.
Kristoffer Ajer was left unmarked and a striker’s finish left Bees fans celebrating as if it were a winner. A defeat would have been unfair on Brentford after their dominant performance.
Manchester United did not look like a Champions League side
In their quest for the top four (or five, depending how things in Europe play out), United have taken a hit tonight.
Their draw against 15th-placed Brentford leaves them in sixth, eight points adrift of Spurs in fifth, and eleven off Aston Villa, albeit with a game in hand over Villa. United didn’t create much and were totally dominated by the home side.
Just when it looked like they had found a late winner, a lack of concentration saw them concede at the other end just three minutes later. Improvement is needed to contend for the Champions League spots.
Brentford struggle to capitalise on their multitude of chances
With 31 shots on goal, Brentford only scored once and failed to take advantage of a lacklustre Man United side on the back foot.
They had 85 touches in United’s box, the most by a team in any Premier League match across the last three seasons. Whilst they remain five points clear of the relegation spots, their league position remains precarious and the three points, which they deserved today, would have given them some breathing space.
Embed from Getty ImagesNonetheless, Thomas Frank will take encouragement from this performance and Bryan Mbeumo’s return will give the Bees a lift for the rest of their campaign.
Kobbie Mainoo isn’t letting the headlines get to him
Mainoo continues to impress in that midfield role. The 18-year-old was one of the more level-headed United players on the pitch, staying calm under pressure and also igniting the attack.
Playing beyond his years, a first half shoulder pass showed he is adding flair and creativity to his game. He put in a solid bid for Gareth Southgate’s summer squad over the international break, and Erik ten Hag will be hoping he continues to play a crucial role as the season reaches its climax.
Ivan Toney could be the man United are looking for
With reports Man United could be after Ivan Toney this summer, his performance today won’t deter the Red Devils. Hitting the woodwork and having a second half goal ruled marginally offside, the best of the missed chances of the match fell to him.
Toney shows strength and an ability to hold up players which Rasmus Hojlund, who had a quiet game, is yet to show consistently. The Brentford captain’s instincts could be what United are after in the transfer window, although it’s fair to say he won’t be short of offers.
