The Gtech Community Stadium was rocking at halftime as Brentford went into the break with a 2–1 lead over Manchester United, thanks to a brilliant first-half brace from Thiago Igor that overshadowed Benjamin Šeško’s landmark debut strike.
From the opening whistle, Brentford stamped their authority on the game with relentless pressing and direct attacking play. Their reward came early when Thiago Igor opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Exploiting space behind United’s shaky back line, the forward raced onto a clever through ball and slotted calmly past André Onana to send the home fans into jubilation.
Manchester United responded with determination, driven by Bruno Fernandes’ creativity and Mason Mount’s energy in midfield. The Red Devils equalized in the 28th minute, and it was a moment of history for Benjamin Šeško. The Slovenian striker marked his arrival in the Premier League with his first goal for United, timing his run perfectly to latch onto Fernandes’ incisive pass before guiding a clinical low finish into the corner.
But Brentford, roared on by their supporters, struck back almost immediately. Just before the interval, Thiago Igor once again punished United’s defensive lapses. Rising above the defense, he met a dangerous cross with a powerful header that Onana could only watch sail into the net, restoring Brentford’s advantage and sealing his brace in style.
At halftime, Erik ten Hag faces tough questions. His side have shown attacking promise through Šeško’s movement and Fernandes’ vision, but defensively they remain fragile, losing duels in the air and struggling to cope with Brentford’s physicality and tempo.
For Thomas Frank and Brentford, the plan has worked perfectly: disrupt United’s rhythm, press aggressively, and rely on Thiago Igor’s finishing touch. With a 2–1 lead and Igor in inspired form, the Bees stand on the brink of a famous result if they can maintain their intensity in the second half.
The stage is set for a thrilling finale: can Šeško spark a United comeback, or will Igor’s heroics seal a memorable victory for the hosts?
