Manchester United conceded four goals away at Brentford in another away defeat – but there were some positives.
Not many Manchester United fans would have been overly optimistic of a win away at Brentford, the way this season has been going.
Outstanding in Europe, and drab domestically, full focus is now on winning the Europa League, and a much rotated team were beaten 4-3 at Brentford on May 4.
United opened the scoring with a strike from Mason Mount, before going 4-1 down. Late strikes from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad pulled the scoreline back to look more respectable.
A player who drew some praise after the game was one of the heroes against Athletic Club, Manuel Ugarte.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty ImagesManuel Ugarte praised
Manuel Ugarte was the heart of Manchester United’s midfield with Brazilian ace Casemiro given a well-earned rest, along with a rare break for Bruno Fernandes.
Speaking to MUTV after the final whistle, former player Ben Thornley explained: “He was brilliant, outstanding from beginning to end.
“I thought he was superb. He started the game well, and he finished it. He was far and away the best player in the Manchester United shirt today.”
Ugarte completed the entire match, which former defender David May admitted he felt was a little surprising.
“I was surprised the manager played Ugarte the for the whole 97 minutes, the running he puts in the tackles, the interceptions, I thought he might have taken him off for half an hour’s rest.”
Ugarte might end up being rested on Thursday for the second leg against Athletic Club with United 3-0 up, a deserved break if so.
The Uruguayan ended up with an assist for Amad’s goal, this was his fourth assist in his last three games, and sixth of the season.
Data provided via SofaScore shows how Ugarte completed 50 of 53 pass attempts, while winning seven duels.
A lot of his impact came via the right-hand side of midfield, making four tackles during the content, supporting his many inexperienced younger teammates.
.Ben Thornley praises Alejandro Garnacho
Thornley also reserved praise for Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho, who provided an assist for United’s first goal and scored the second from outside the box.
He added: “Ganacho is is showing why everybody thinks he’s a class act with the goal that he scored.
“His performances over these last few weeks have really sort of got to a stage where we hope in three weeks time, or just less, that he peaks.”
Garnacho now has 11 goals and 12 assists, his most productive season ever for Manchester United.