Brentford reignited their push for European football with a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Manchester United in a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium.
In a match full of drama, goals, and controversy, Kevin Schade stole the show with a decisive brace, taking his league tally to 11, as the Bees capitalised on a much-changed United side still nursing their Europa League ambitions.
Ruben Amorim’s men had taken an early lead through Mason Mount, but Brentford stormed back to score four times, leaving United’s late resurgence short of a dramatic rescue.
United Strike First, But Brentford Respond in Style
United, who made eight changes with one eye on Thursday’s crucial Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, looked to be in control early on. Alejandro Garnacho, one of the few retained starters from the midweek European victory, provided a pinpoint cross for Mount, who fired in a neat finish in the 14th minute — just his second goal in a United shirt.
But Brentford’s response was swift and spirited. A Mikkel Damsgaard cross took a wicked deflection off United captain Luke Shaw and looped past Andre Onana to level the scores after 27 minutes.
The Gtech faithful erupted again just six minutes later when Schade rose above Tyler Fredricson to nod home a powerful header, sparking protests from the United bench. Defender Matthijs de Ligt had gone down with a hamstring issue during the buildup, but play continued, and the Bees pounced.
Injury Blow for United as Bees Turn the Screw
De Ligt, making his first start in weeks after an ankle layoff, was visibly distraught as he limped off, possibly adding to United’s growing list of defensive casualties. Amorim later revealed his concern, not just for Thursday, but for the long term.
“If it’s serious, that changes our whole preparation for next season,” the Portuguese coach said post-match. “We didn’t want risks, and now we may have taken one we couldn’t afford.”
Despite the setback, United managed to keep Brentford at bay until midway through the second half. However, Schade wasn’t done. The German winger completed his brace in the 70th minute, heading in from close range after a brilliant delivery by Bryan Mbeumo.
Four minutes later, Brentford cut through a fragile United backline with ease. Michael Kayode, enjoying a breakout season, slipped a pass through to Yoane Wissa, who slotted coolly past Onana for the hosts’ fourth.
Late United Surge Falls Short
With Brentford cruising, United suddenly sparked to life. Garnacho halved the deficit with a thunderbolt from 25 yards in the 82nd minute, a moment of individual brilliance that gave the visitors hope.
And in the fifth of seven added minutes, Amad Diallo pounced on a loose ball to make it 4-3, setting up a nervy finish. But Brentford held on, securing a win that moves them up to ninth, just a point behind eighth-placed Bournemouth, keeping their European hopes firmly alive.
Bees Buzzing Towards Europe
With three games left — against Ipswich, Fulham, and Wolves — Brentford’s European dream is within reach. Schade’s double marked a historic milestone: Brentford became the only club outside the top four to have three players hit double figures in goals this season.
“We’re pushing, and the players believe,” manager Thomas Frank beamed. “That spirit, that fight — it’s what we need in these final games.”
United, meanwhile, remain mired in 15th, their worst top-flight finish in over three decades still a possibility. Their focus now shifts to Bilbao, where failure to reach the Europa League final may spell a disastrous end to an already tumultuous season.
Final Score: Brentford 4-3 Manchester United
Scorers: Mount (14’), Shaw OG (27’), Schade (33’, 70’), Wissa (74’), Garnacho (82’), Diallo (90+5’)
Attendance: 18,915
Player of the Match: Kevin Schade (7.67 average rating)
