What Mike Dean said about Matthijs de Ligt incident as fans spot Man United star’s furious reaction
Manchester United went behind against Brentford in controversial fashion after Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch.
The Red Devils picked up a much-needed 2-1 win over Brentford after an inspired second-half comeback at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho was the star of the show as he scored his fifth goal of the season before Rasmus Hojlund put Manchester United into the lead with a calm chipped finish.
However, pressure ramped up on Erik ten Hag in the first half when his side trailed to Ethan Pinnock’s opener.
The Brentford centre-back headed the visitors into the lead from a corner, but only after Matthijs de Ligt was forced to the sidelines for a second time to clean up blood from a head injury.
Matthijs de Ligt furious on Old Trafford touchline
De Ligt suffered his injury after leaning down to try and head the ball, only to connect with Kevin Schade’s knee.
It cut his head open and De Ligt won the respect of fans by continuing to battle on despite his injury. He was forced to the sidelines on multiple occasions to clean the blood from his face, including in the dying minutes of the first half.
Brentford had just been awarded a corner but De Ligt was instructed by referee Sam Barrott to go to the touchline for treatment
With United down to 10 men – and missing one of their tallest defenders – Brentford capitalised and scored the opener.
As quoted by The Mirror, Ten Hag admitted after the game that his side were “angry” with the decision: “We were very angry at half-time because we were controlling the game. I can’t understand why Matthijs was sent off. It was dry blood so he was already treated for the injury.”
Fans spotted De Ligt’s furious reaction after he was forced to watch from the sidelines as Brentford scored
