Brentford fought back from a stoppage-time Mason Mount goal to rescue a point in an enthralling 1-1 draw with Manchester United that helped their fight against relegation while damaging their opponents’ hopes of UEFA Champions League football next season.

The home side had outshot United by 30 shots to 11 and hit the woodwork four times in a dominant display at the Gtech Community Stadium, only to fall behind in the sixth minute of time added on to substitute Mount’s first goal for the club.

But United’s lead lasted little over three minutes as Kristoffer Ajer struck from close range to earn a draw that takes the Bees five points clear of the relegation zone. 

How the match unfolded

Brentford brought in Keane Lewis-Potter and Yehor Yarmoliuk for Frank Onyeka and the suspended Sergio Reguilon, while Erik ten Hag also made two changes from their last league match. Jonny Evans and Casemiro missed out as Aaron Wan Bissaka and Rasmus Hojlund returned to the starting line-up, the same XI which started in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool. Lisandro Martinez also returned from injury to the Man Utd bench.

United edged the opening quarter of the match, albeit without creating a significant chance before Brentford took over, with the best chances of a goalless first half falling to the home side, who had 14 shots to United’s three. 

First Ivan Toney on 24 minutes was played through on goal by a clever first-time pass from Yoane Wissa but the England striker’s low strike rattled off the inside of the left post and away. 

Zanka was next to hit the woodwork for Brentford. The ball was whipped towards the back post, but the unmarked defender’s header crashed off the bar. 

The Bees continued to dominate as Toney broke free again, stepping inside Victor Lindelof on to his left foot before sending his shot over.

United were forced into a half-time change as Raphael Varane, their best defender of the opening period, was replaced by Harry Maguire. 

Brentford started the second half in a similar vein but the first big chance of the second half fell United’s way. 

Hojlund was denied the opening goal after Mark Flekken produced an incredible stop, even if the United looked offside. 

Immediately at the other end, Onana made a wonderful double save to deny first Yehor Yarmoliuk at full stretch before quickly recovering to block Lewis-Potter from close range.

Thomas Frank’s side kept knocking on the door for the opener as Wissa’s volley clipped the outside of a post. 

Brentford thought they had taken the lead after substitute Bryan Mbuemo’s curling cross found Toney, who slotted home from close range, but the goal was ruled out after the striker was marginally offside.

Brentford then struck the frame of the goal for a fourth time as Mbuemo’s effort hit the crossbar.

And the hosts were made to pay for those missed opportunities when Mount gave Man Utd the lead in the sixth minute of stoppage time when he was played in by fellow substitute Casemiro before placing the ball into the far corner. 

But Brentford refused to accept defeat and only three minutes later, the hosts struck in dramatic fashion, with Ajer slotting home Toney’s cutback from six yards out.

The point takes Brentford’s tally to 27 in 15th place. After seeing their top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa both win today, United now have 48 points in sixth, eight behind Spurs and 11 off Villa. 

Club reports

Brentford | Man Utd

Match officials

Referee: Simon Hooper. Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long. Fourth official: Gavin Ward. VAR: Stuart Attwell. Assistant VAR: Marc Perry.