Manchester United finished a poor home season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Brentford in their final game at Old Trafford, with Cristiano Ronaldo starring.
After superb work from Diogo Dalot and Anthony Elanga, Bruno Fernandes volleyed United ahead in the ninth minute, and the United players looked like they were having fun for the first time in a long time. Before having a score disallowed for offside on the stroke of half-time, Ronaldo made a number of spectacular flicks.
In the 61st minute, he scored his 18th league goal of the season, blasting home a penalty after Rico Henry fouled him badly. Throughout the game, there was an end-of-season vibe. It felt like the end of an era at times, especially when Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata were substituted to bid their goodbyes to the Old Trafford faithful.
Although a number of other players are expected to depart in the summer, Ronaldo’s low-key salute at the final whistle implies that he will be back next season.
Manchester United’s home season comes to a close with a comfortable win over Brentford. The goals came from Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Raphael Varane, and the United players appeared to be having fun for the first time in a long time. Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata both gave public farewells. Ronaldo’s low-key gesture to the supporters, however, says otherwise.
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United’s win lifted them to 58 points with two games left, putting them in position to match their tally from the 2013-14 season under David Moyes, which is their lowest since the 59 they managed in 1990-91. This was one of their stronger performances, thanks in part to Juan Mata, who was making his first league start of the season in what was likely his final game at Old Trafford.
Mata’s superb passing and invention could have earned him an assist, but Ronaldo was adjudged just offside after scoring from the veteran Spain international’s ball. Regardless, Ronaldo scored, sending Brentford goalkeeper David Raya the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Fernandes is one of the pillars of incoming manager Erik ten Hag’s United, with a deal that runs through 2026. His first goal since February was a gem, a first-time volley on Anthony Elanga’s cutback.
United’s third goal came from Raphael Varane’s deflected shot, and despite the protest failing to gather traction, there were still plenty of people in the stadium as the home players went on their post-match lap of appreciation for a season that most United fans can’t wait to be over.
