Brentford vs Manchester United | 2022/23 PL

It will be difficult to go through the Manchester United player ratings in their match against Brentford last weekend if you are a die-hard United fan. Another poor display culminated in a second consecutive loss for Manchester United as the Red Devils suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat to Brentford on Saturday.

Despite the promise of a new beginning under Erik ten Hag, the new manager continues to inherit the issues of the old guard, with the Red Devils expected to go through a period of challenging fixtures before improving their performances further into the season. Uncomfortable in executing the manager’s tactics from the first whistle, United failed to impose themselves, facing boisterous home support on Saturday.

An inexcusable goal-keeping error from David De Gea set the precedent for the team’s performance on the afternoon as the hosts continued to falter after conceding the opening goal against the Bees. A calamity of individual errors combined with a lack of decisiveness in possession soon followed, with the visitors finding themselves down by four goals before the half-time break.

Despite making three changes at half-time, United struggled to find a foothold in the game throughout the second half. A lack of leadership and urgency on the pitch resulted in an inevitably disheartening performance, with the team failing to find the back of the net on Saturday.

With the club expected to intensify their pursuit of, at least, two signings ahead of the game against Liverpool, Ten Hag will be looking to identify the players best suited to his philosophy, resulting in him likely making a significant number of changes over the coming weeks.

Manchester United Player Ratings Vs Brentford: Starting XI

David De Gea (GK) – 2/10: Agonisingly poor in his decision-making, De Gea’s goal-keeping errors majorly contributed to United’s loss against Brentford. With much to prove under the new manager, the Spaniard will be hoping to improve on his attributes over the coming weeks.

Brentford vs Manchester United, David de Gea — Image Obtained via Sports Illustrated

Diogo Dalot (RB) – 4/10: An unimpactful figure on the pitch, Dalot failed to contribute to United’s attacking prowess on Saturday. Having struggled to build on the momentum from his pre-season performances, the full-back will be looking to significantly improve his application on the pitch moving forward.

Harry Maguire (RCB) – 4/10: Whilst having remained a reliable presence in the backline, Maguire, yet again, failed to deliver a commanding performance against Brentford. Scathed for his lack of leadership on the pitch, the centre-back will be hoping to redeem himself over the coming weeks.

Lisandro Martinez (LCB) – 4/10: Substituted at half-time, Martinez struggled to cope with Brentford’s physicality on set-pieces. Yet to adjust to the demands of the Premier League, the Argentine will be looking to perform to the best of his abilities moving forward.

Luke Shaw (LB) – 3/10: Unimpressive for a second consecutive game, Shaw remained a liability on the pitch on Saturday. With Tyrell Malacia showing a palpable bite in his application, the Dutchman is likely to replace the English left-back moving forward.

Christian Eriksen (CM) – 3/10: Poor in possession, Eriksen failed to control the tempo of United’s approach against Brentford. Amongst a few technically sound players secure in possession within the squad, the Danish midfielder will be keen on returning to his best over the coming fixtures.

Brentford vs Manchester United, Christian Eriksen — Image Obtained via Manchester Evening News

Fred (GK) – 3/10: Ill-disciplined in his application on the pitch, Fred failed to execute his responsibilities efficiently on Saturday. Having shown negligible improvement in his game, the Brazilian midfielder will be needing to find sustainable discipline in his approach over the coming weeks.

Jadon Sancho (RW) – 3/10: Poor in possession and executing his defensive duties, Sancho failed to impact the game against Brentford. A victim of the team’s inability to sustainably progress the ball up the pitch, Sancho is likely to continue struggling unless United improve in their ability to keep possession in the opposition’s half over the coming weeks.

Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – 3/10: Distasteful in his application, Fernandes failed to deliver a notable performance. Seemingly struggling to adapt to the manager’s requirements, the Portuguese midfielder will be looking to gradually improve his approach to games moving further into the season.

Marcus Rashford (LW) – 3/10: Continually failing to perform to the manager’s requirements, Rashford remained amongst the team’s most underwhelming performers on the pitch on Saturday. With the club likely to acquire a versatile forward before the end of the transfer window, the English winger will be looking to improve on his overall performance over the coming weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – 5/10: Struggling to involve himself in the game, Ronaldo also failed to make the most of a couple of goal-scoring opportunities in the second half. Still expected to leave the club before the end of the window, the Portuguese international will be hoping to make the best of his time at the club in the immediate future.

Manchester United Player Ratings Vs Brentford: Substitutions

Raphael Varane (LCB) – 6/10: Introduced to solidify the defence, Varane remained a reliable figure in the backline. With the team having conceded five goals in two games already, the Frenchman will be hoping to retain a spot in the first team over the coming weeks.

Tyrell Malacia (LB) – 6/10: Proactive in his application, Malacia emerged amongst the team’s better-performing players on Saturday. Expected to displace Shaw, the Dutch left-back will be looking to nail down a first-team spot over the coming weeks.

Scott McTominay (CM) – 5/10: Introduced to add physicality in the midfield, McTominay protected United’s backline. However, he failed to serve as a competent contributor in the build-up play against Brentford. Expected to slot back into the starting line-up against Liverpool, the midfielder will be keen on improving his performance over the coming weeks.

Donny van de Beek (CM) – 6/10: A wasted substitution in the dying minutes of the game, Van de Beek failed to have an impact on Saturday. With many of his competitors having failed to justify a starting spot, the Dutch midfielder will be looking to break into the starting line-up over the coming weeks.

Follow AD for the Latest Matchday Updates on Manchester United.