By Samuel A. March 30, 2024
Kristoffer Ajer’s late, LATE goal canceled what was meant to be a winning goal from Mason Mount and earned Brentford a draw against sloppy United. Manchester United looked like they had grabbed the win in the 93rd minute after Mason Mount’s left footed effort to the bottom right corner went in, but resilient Brentford, who deserved to win the game, had to settle for a draw, with Ajer’s effort salvaging a point.
Brentford began the match as the convincing side, with Ivan Toney directing their best opportunity against the woodwork. Erik ten Hag’s men looked to gain some momentum as the first half flew by, but Brentford seemed determined to impose themselves on proceedings. The hosts once again came close to a breakthrough, as Mathias Jorgensen saw an angled header flick the top of the crossbar. The Bees’ assault showed no signs of slowing down, and Yoane Wissa missed another promising opportunity from close range as United were relieved to hear the halftime whistle.
Having been on the back foot for almost the entirety of the match, United thought they’d snatched the most unlikely of winners when Mason Mount tucked home to send the traveling support into raptures. It felt like all the efforts by the bees were for nothing until Ajer scored from 12 yards after toney’s sublime run and cutback.
Ten Hag said after the full time : “Maybe we didn’t deserve it. I thought Brentford wanted more in the whole course of the game. In the final third, we were not secure. We were slow. Second balls, defending, we were not good. They were more aggressive. They had more energy and it should be the other way around.”
The result leaves United eight points off 5th placed Tottenham and 11 off 4th placed Aston Villa, who have played a game more.
With just nine matches left for United, their prospects of grabbing a Champions League qualifying spot seem slim.
