Manchester United slumped to the bottom of the early Premier League standings after a 4-0 thrashing over Brentford in what was Cristiano Ronaldo’s first start to the 2022-2023 season on Saturday.
United’s disastrous afternoon started in typical fashion with David de Gea letting Josh Dasilva’s tame, low effort into the back of the net for 10 minutes.
The lax United defense saw their deficit double eight minutes later. Ex-Brentford player Christian Eriksen, who was booed by the home fans earlier in the game, was ousted by Mathias Jensen after a poor pass from De Gea and the midfielder dummied and sent the United player the wrong way to go to to go home.
On the half hour, Brentford had their third. A poorer defense saw United’s defense come to a halt as Ivan Toney headed a corner back over goal and Ben Mee beat Lisandro Martinez to head in from close range.
Thomas Frank’s side continued the attack and scored their fourth goal five minutes later. In a perfectly executed counter-attack, Ivan Toney pushed the ball through to Brian Mbuemo, who shrugged off a challenge and shot past De Gea.
“It was a terrible day,” said De Gea. “I should have saved the first shot and the result might have been different.
“Other teams conceded one goal and won 5-1. We have to react much better. It was a mediocre performance.”
It was the first time in Premier League history that United have conceded four goals in the first half away from home. Ten Hag’s team managed to stop the flow of goals against in the second half, but failed to capitalize on their chances, which would have restored pride.
The demolition was Brentford’s first win over United in all competitions since a 2-0 win in the FA Cup in February 1938. Former Ajax boss Ten Hag becomes the first United manager in over 100 years to lose his first two games.