Brentford 3-1 Manchester United: Šeško’s First Goal Can’t Secure Victory for the Red Devils
Manchester United’s turbulent season hit another low point as they fell 3-1 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. While Benjamin Šeško found the net for the first time in a United shirt, it proved little more than a consolation as Ruben Amorim’s side were once again undone by sloppy defending, poor game management, and Brentford’s ruthless efficiency.
The scoreline paints a familiar picture for United: moments of promise undone by recurring flaws. For Brentford, it was a night to celebrate — their pressing, physicality, and organization once again proving too much for one of the Premier League’s giants.
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The Build-Up: Pressure Already Mounting
Manchester United came into this match under significant scrutiny. After a mixed start to the season, manager Ruben Amorim was already facing questions about his tactical approach and whether he could handle the unique pressures of English football.
Brentford, meanwhile, had nothing to lose. Known for their aggressive pressing and aerial power, Thomas Frank’s men — even after his departure, the club maintains the same ethos — relish these kinds of fixtures. United had been warned about what awaited them in West London, yet they looked unprepared from the opening whistle.
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First Half: Brentford Take Control
Brentford set the tone early, pressing United’s backline and forcing them into hurried clearances. The midfield pairing of Ugarte and Mainoo looked overrun, with Fernandes unable to dictate play.
It took just 17 minutes for Brentford to break the deadlock. A whipped delivery from a corner found Ivan Toney, whose header was saved by Onana — but the rebound fell kindly to Yoane Wissa, who slotted home from close range.
The Gtech erupted, and United were immediately on the back foot. Brentford smelled blood, targeting United’s frailties in wide areas. Luke Shaw, still regaining match sharpness, was caught out several times by the relentless Bryan Mbeumo.
By the 33rd minute, Brentford doubled their lead. A long ball forward exposed United’s high line, with Toney bullying De Ligt before finishing coolly past Onana. United’s defensive organisation, once again, looked nonexistent.
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Šeško’s First Goal: A Glimmer of Hope
The only bright spark for United came just before halftime. Benjamin Šeško, who had been waiting for his breakthrough moment since arriving in the summer, finally got off the mark.
Bruno Fernandes found a pocket of space and lofted a pass behind the Brentford defence. Šeško timed his run perfectly, shrugged off his marker, and slotted a low strike into the corner past Mark Flekken.
The goal was met with relief rather than celebration by United fans. At 2-1, the Red Devils had a lifeline. More importantly, Šeško’s confidence received a boost. The Slovenian striker, often criticised for struggling to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity, showed the composure and predatory instincts that made him such a coveted signing.
Yet, as the second half unfolded, it became clear that his goal would not be the turning point United desperately needed.
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Second Half: Same Old Problems
Rather than building on Šeško’s strike, United emerged for the second half lacking urgency. Brentford continued to dominate physically, winning aerial duels and second balls with ease.
Amorim attempted to change the tempo, introducing Garnacho and Rashford to inject pace. But with Brentford’s backline well-drilled and compact, United found it difficult to penetrate. Fernandes grew increasingly frustrated, dropping deeper and leaving Šeško isolated up front.
The killer blow came in the 68th minute. Once again, it was a set-piece situation that undid United. A deep free kick floated into the box wasn’t properly cleared, and after a scramble, Ethan Pinnock smashed home to make it 3-1.
From there, Brentford managed the game superbly. They slowed the tempo, disrupted United’s rhythm with clever fouls, and frustrated their opponents into mistakes. By the final whistle, Amorim’s men looked drained both physically and emotionally.
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Key Takeaways
1. Šeško’s Breakthrough Moment
Benjamin Šeško’s first goal for Manchester United will be a personal highlight. Strikers thrive on confidence, and opening his account could be vital for his development. But on a night overshadowed by defeat, his moment of joy was drowned out by United’s collective failings.
2. United’s Defensive Frailties Persist
United’s defence continues to look brittle under pressure. The high line without pace to cover behind, combined with poor marking on set-pieces, made Brentford’s task easier. De Ligt and Martínez looked uncomfortable, while Onana’s heroics could only delay the inevitable.
3. Amorim’s Stubbornness
The Portuguese coach stuck rigidly to his philosophy despite it clearly failing against Brentford’s strengths. Critics argue that he must show more adaptability if he is to succeed in England. Legends like Patrick Evra have already suggested his stubbornness is costing United vital points.
4. Brentford’s Formula Works
Brentford may not have the star names, but their system, intensity, and discipline once again proved decisive. They have built a reputation as giant-killers, and United were their latest victims.
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Fan Reactions
Social media exploded after the final whistle.
One fan wrote: “Šeško’s first goal means nothing if we keep defending like this. Same story, different season.”
Another said: “Congrats to Šeško, but we’re a mess. Brentford bullied us all over the pitch.”
On the more optimistic side: “Šeško scoring is big. If he gets going, we at least have a goal threat. But Amorim needs to fix this team fast.”
The mix of joy at Šeško’s breakthrough and despair at the result summed up the conflicted mood among United supporters.
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What This Means for Amorim
This defeat places even more scrutiny on Ruben Amorim. After being branded a “baby coach” by a United legend earlier in the week, this loss adds fuel to that fire. Failing to adapt, relying on rigid tactics, and ignoring the physical demands of the Premier League have already earned him criticism.
If results like this continue, the board may be forced to ask whether Amorim is the right man to oversee United’s long-term rebuild.
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Looking Ahead
United now face a crucial run of fixtures. With matches against European hopefuls and traditional rivals looming, Amorim must find solutions quickly. Integrating Šeško more effectively, tightening defensive organisation, and showing greater tactical flexibility will be essential.
For Šeško personally, his first goal could be the springboard he needs. If he continues to grow in confidence, he may become a vital weapon in United’s attack. But as this match showed, one striker’s breakthrough is meaningless if the rest of the team crumbles.
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Conclusion
Brentford’s 3-1 win over Manchester United highlighted the gulf in organisation, fight, and discipline between the two teams. While Benjamin Šeško’s first goal for the Red Devils offered a brief glimmer of hope, it was not enough to mask another disappointing display.
Brentford played with intensity and purpose. United, meanwhile, looked predictable, fragile, and uninspired. For Ruben Amorim, the pressure intensifies. For Šeško, the personal milestone will mean little unless the team finds a way to transform its fortunes.
One thing is clear: a single goal cannot paper over the cracks at Old Trafford. If changes are not made swiftly, both on the pitch and in the dugout, nights like this will become the norm rather than the exception.
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