A stunning goal by Andreas Pereira was not enough for Manchester United to secure a win in a pre-season friendly encounter with Premier League newcomers Brentford at Old Trafford.
Tonight saw the third match of five in Manchester United’s pre-season programme as they went head-to-head with the newly promoted Brentford at Old Trafford. The Red Devils were eager to improve upon an unexpected defeat to Queen’s Park Rangers on Saturday, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer welcoming back Donny van de Beek and Diogo Dalot, both of whom started amongst the substitutes.
The game was set in motion with a long range effort from Jesse Lingard which was comfortably saved by David Raya in the Brentford goal. United were met with a lot of pressure from a pressing Brentford side who were raring to go from kick-off, although they maintained possession very well.
A stray pass from Brentford found its way into Lingard’s path, leading to a slick piece of buildup play, however the possession concluded with a shot straight into the keeper’s arms from Mason Greenwood.
In the 12th minute, Andreas Pereira found Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right flank, who utilised the time he was given on the ball to play a sweet cross into Anthony Elanga who volleyed home brilliantly into the right side of the goal. An inspiring goal from the young prospect, adding to his excellent pre-season campaign.
Mason Greenwood was brought down on the edge of the box after attempting to reach the end of a great through ball, allowing United a free kick, but Pereira’s attempt was disappointing and could not get past the Brentford wall.
The visitors levelled the game just before the 20 minute mark after a failed attempt to clear the ball from Matic set up a fantastic volley from Shandon Baptiste, leaving Tom Heaton with no chance as the ball hit the back of the net via the crossbar.
Wan-Bissaka powered through the pitch in an explosive run, a slightly long pass that could not find Juan Mata granted a spontaneous attempt for Jesse Lingard whose shot was consequently wide of the post.
In the first game back at Old Trafford, the hosts were drawing with Brentford at half-time following two impressive volleys from both teams.
Half time - Manchester United 1-1 Brentford
Solskjaer made just one change at half time as Diogo Dalot made his first appearance for Manchester United since the 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup last September.
Another extraordinary volley put Manchester United into the lead once again in the 50th minute. A failed clearance from the Brentford defence allowed a sublime strike from Andreas Pereira, which rattled the underside of the crossbar from distance. A beautiful strike to give United the upper hand.
At the 60 minute mark, Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira and Anthony Elanga all left the pitch in light of James Garner, Daniel James and Facundo Pellistri in a triple substitution.
Following the spectacular goal from Periera, United looked to be playing sustainable football in order to maintain their lead, allowing Brentford to chase the ball whilst the Reds controlled the tempo of the game. Pellistri looked bright off the bench, inspiring attacks on the ball and winning a corner for United with his early touches.
The Brentford keeper put himself under a lot of pressure by giving the ball away whilst out of the goal, unfortunately the angle of the shot that Lingard needed to execute was too tight and the ball drifted harmlessly over the crossbar.
With 15 minutes remaining, United brought on another three substitutes, in the form of Shola Shoretire, Donny Van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri, with Lingard, Matic and Greenwood all afforded a rest ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Preston North End.
A dangerous ball in behind caught the United defence on their heels and with Bryan Mbuembo through on goal, he put the Londoners back on level terms with a curling finish past Tom Heaton with only 12 minutes remaining.
James Garner’s work rate to win back the ball was impressive but his eagerness gave away a free kick in the late minutes of the game. Thankfully, Brentford’s goalscorer Mbuembo was unable to convert the free kick into a winner.
A game full of great goals petered out in the end as a 2-2 draw with both sides enjoying a plethora of possession and all the players getting meaningful minutes in the bank ahead of what promises to be a big season for United.
Full time - Manchester United 2-2 Brentford
Originally published for The United Stand.
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