Like Bees To Honey

There was a time 20 years ago when a game like Brentford v Manchester United was almost a sure-win by United. A time when the chance of United losing a game was harder than striking TOTO. Well those days have gone; and now it is lowly Brentford; a team unheard of 10 years ago; that are actually the favorites against United. In the words of Ruben Amorim; this could be the worst Man Utd team in history; even worse than the Gordon Strachan-inspired side of '86. They are like 15th in the league; below teams such as Crystal Palace; Everton and even Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Brentford have been establishing their identity in recent years. After a Sergio Canas-inspired 2-0 league opener win over Arsenal some years back; they have hardly looked back. With Thomas Frank's unique blend of teamwork and intensity; his team are now feared by all & sundry; especially at home; where they seem to have built up a unique reputation with their fans. On this rousing afternoon where they still had a chance of outside European qualification; they sensed United were there for the taking; and took it with open hands. Bryan Mbeumo; already one of the stories of the season; lit up the game with his pace & direct running; looking a threat everytime he cut in on his favourite left-foot. And this 4-2-3-1 formation suits them to a tee; with Ukrainian youngster Yehor Yarmolyuk a useful foil alongside the hardworking Christian Norgaard in central midfield.

For United; perhaps the less said the better. The passing & cohesion in this team is a far cry from their glory days. The players are not moving well; they don't seem to know what to do. Even when they took the lead through Mason Mount; they didn't have the confidence nor the wherewithal to hold on to it. With a youthful team of striker Chido Obi & youngsters Tyler Fredricson & Harry Amass; they were lacking in experience & know-how. It was notable that their entire back three was substituted; not something very common. Even their late scorchers from Alejandro Garnacho & Amad Diallo did not do much to buffer the scoreline.