MANCHESTER UNITED were HUMILIATED in a 4-0 thrashing by Brentford on Saturday evening.
Erik ten Hag was looking for a response from his players after they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season last weekend.
But this was the opposite.
Four first half goals from a rampant home side killed the game as the travelling Red Devils supporters watched on in disbelief.
And you now have to question where United go from here just two matches into the campaign.
Here is how SunSport reporter Dylan Terry saw the Man Utd players’ performances at the Gtech Community Stadium.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
DAVID DE GEA – 2
De Gea has been a world class keeper for the best part of a decade but this was truly an afternoon to forget.
The Spaniard’s howler for the first goal was a sign of things to come for Ten Hag’s men.
And he then played a poor pass to Eriksen for the second as the United shot-stopper unravelled in front of Brentford’s dogged front line.
DIOGO DALOT – 3
Dalot was run ragged by Rico Henry and Toney when the Brentford forward decided to drift out to the left.
He looked remarkably off the pace and may well lose his place to Aaron Wan-Bissaka ahead of the Liverpool clash.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 2
Utterly bullied by Toney who stuck to him like a leach and refused to give him any time on the ball.
If the Brighton game was a difficult start to life in the Premier League, then this was an all-out nightmare for the Argentine centre-back who did not look cut out for this level or style of play.
Made way for Varane at half-time as Ten Hag took him out of the firing line for what would have been another torturous 45 minutes.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 3
Perhaps only saved by the fact that Martinez had a stone cold shocker, but this was still a woeful display from the England international.
There is a lack of leadership in the back four and that has to fall upon the captain and most experienced member of the defensive line.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
LUKE SHAW – 3
With new left-back Tyrell Malacia watching on from the bench, Shaw did nothing to stake his claim ahead of the summer signing.
The fourth Brentford goal typified his afternoon as Mbeumo showed more pace, skill and desire to get in front of the full-back before tucking home on the break.
Malacia came on at the break – a damning indictment of his day.
FRED – 4
Was given the unenviable task of putting in all the leg work for Fernandes and Eriksen.
Did not do it well, but you have to feel for him as nobody helped his cause.
Ten Hag also subbed him at the break, with Fred cutting an exhausted figure in the boiling heat.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 3
This was billed as Eriksen’s romantic return to Brentford but it turned into a brutal afternoon for the Dane.
He was booed from the first whistle and then relinquished possession on the edge of his own box for Brentford’s second goal.
Should have headed one back for United but planted his effort safely into the hands of Raya. Then missed another good chance late on.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 2
Fernandes cut an irritable figure throughout the first half but did very little to arrest the situation himself.
It was exactly the sort of attitude United supporters will be concerned by.
His only contribution on the ball was to balloon a few shots over the bar. Dreadful.
JADON SANCHO – 2
Was he playing?
As much as the defence need to take the blame for the mistakes, you would be forgiven for thinking Sancho wasn’t even in London this afternoon.
He barely had a kick in the first half and did little after the break, before Ten Hag hooked him.
CRISTIANO RONALDO – 3
This performance does not start and end with Ronaldo – but he has to take as much of the blame as all the other players.
He was a passenger throughout and also missed a header you would expect him to score in the second half.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 4
Produced a couple of mazy runs in the early stages, but as soon as Brentford scored he drifted out of the game and never returned.
Left Shaw exposed with his lack of defensive work, although should have had an assist only for Eriksen to tamely head his cross into the keeper’s arms.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
SUBS
SCOTT McTOMINAY (FOR FRED, 46) – 5
Provided a bit of solidity in the midfield and looked more composed on the ball than many of the United players out there.
RAPHAEL VARANE (FOR MARTINEZ, 46) – 6
United looked more assured with him instead of Martinez. Had little to deal with as Brentford saw the game out conservatively.
TYRELL MALACIA (FOR SHAW, 46) – 5
The third and final one of Ten Hag’s half-time changes.
Definitely gave United more of an attacking outlet down the left, but benefited from Brentford sitting off and retaining their lead.
ANTHONY ELANGA (FOR SANCHO, 60) – 5
Did not have big boots to fill as he came on for Sancho, but still improved United’s attacking output somewhat.
Wanted to run at players, although the end product was still lacking.
DONNY VAN DE BEEK – (FOR ERIKSEN, 88) – N/A
Had basically no time to make an impact.
Subs not used: Heaton, Wan-Bissaka, Garner, Garnacho.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
