Brentford open scoring as Matthijs de Ligt is forced off multiple times with head injury

It was another half without any end product from Manchester United, but Matthijs de Ligt looked like he had been through a war before the break when his cut reopened.

Just 14 minutes into the game, De Ligt had to receive treatment a little outside our penalty area following a clash with Kevin Schade.

The centre-back had to require treatment on the pitch before getting back to his feet.

While De Ligt returned to the pitch, he had to be asked to go off again when his cut reopened as blood gushed from his head. The Netherlands centre-back showed he was determined to battle on before the referee told him – again, just minutes later – that he required more attention.

Brentford had a corner on the stroke of half-time, while De Ligt was asked to go off. This inevitable lead United lacking numbers in the box to defend the set-piece and Ethan Pinnock headed home.

Matthijs de Ligt’s cut was bad…

Erik ten Hag didn’t look happy as the goal went in and was booked for his reaction, but De Ligt had blood pouring from his head. What else were the officials supposed to do in response to that?

🚨 Yellow card for Erik ten Hag, furious as Man United concede their 9th goal in 8 PL games with Matthijs de Ligt out.

Matthijs was told he had to go off again as blood was on his head after United staff tried to patch de Ligt up three times. pic.twitter.com/qy3d8QQDxQ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 19, 2024