Manchester United’s resurgence was short-lived this season, as Brentford beat Ruben Amorim’s side 3-1, raising serious questions around the club.
After defeating Chelsea last week, Manchester United would have hoped that the corner had finally been turned, but like the 10 months prior with Ruben Amorim at the helm, it was a false dawn.
Full of confidence, United lined up against Brentford, and quickly that confidence was shattered with a poor start from the visiting side.
United lost 3-1 to Brentford in the end, with the result being more than deserved after a very disappointing performance.
Within a poor display, United had numerous underperforming individuals, which meant that Amorim’s side never really looked like getting back into the game despite Benjamin Sesko’s goal.
That being said, United had the chance to equalise as Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty for the second time this season, which ended up being the final chance the Red Devils had.
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty ImagesMark Clattenburg says Nathan Collins should have been sent off vs Manchester United
The penalty Fernandes missed was the most obvious one ever, as he looked like the pressure was getting to him after waiting four minutes to take the spot kick.
The delay came in deciding whether the referee was correct to brandish a yellow card to Nathan Collins for the penalty, or whether it was a denial of a serious goal-scoring opportunity, and therefore a red.
Bryan Mbeumo was pulled down, but if he hadn’t, it would almost certainly have been a goal, yet the referee’s decision was upheld.
Speaking post-game, exclusively to United in Focus, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg revealed that Collins should absolutely have seen red.
“This is why people are falling out of love with football when it takes VAR nearly 5 minutes to make a decision.
“Nathan Collins should have been shown a red card for this last-man foul on Bryan Mbeumo.
“Once the decision was a penalty kick, then Collins made no genuine attempt to play the ball, so the only outcome should be a red card.”
With this being the case, it is impossible to think why he hasn’t seen a red card, with the long wait for the VAR decision also affecting the penalty taker.
Nathan Collins says he knew he was safe from sending off
Collins should have seen red, with the denial of a goalscoring opportunity and being the last man, usually automatic grounds for a dismissal.
However, speaking after the game to TNT Sports, Collins admitted he knew exactly what he was doing.
“I knew [I wouldn’t be sent off]. Tactical…”, Collins responded to the question of whether he felt lucky to still be on the pitch.
How Collins can be so convinced of his innocence, yet expert Clattenburg is on the opposite end of the spectrum, is also confusing and proves that VAR once again has major defects and doesn’t benefit anyone.