Brentford vs Manchester United live: Reaction as superb Bees pile the pressure on Ruben Amorim

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.

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.

“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.”

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

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.

"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 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.

“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.”

“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.”

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.