Follow live coverage as Brentford face Manchester United today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Liverpool look to fend off competition from Arsenal, Manchester City and more.
The race for the Champions League places should also be a compelling battle, with a fifth place possible for English teams. Manchester United’s latest rebuild under Ruben Amorim sets expectations high once more after a dismal season last time out.
Meanwhile, it’s Burnley, Leeds United and Sunderland who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Brentford FC 3 - 1 Manchester United FC
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:27Cunha plays in Sesko, and his shot is blocked by Collins. The Slovenian gets another chance on the ball inside the box, and he should square, yet he's so slow to react. His eventual pass is poor and doesn't reach a man in United black.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:27Assist Yehor Yarmoliuk
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:25The players take to the pitch now as the Premier League anthem blares in West London. Today's referee is Craig Pawson. He meets with the captains, and it looks like the visitors will get us under way, playing from right to left in their black and yellow kits.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:25Previous fixtures suggest Brentford come as a serious bogey team for United. While the Red Devils are winless in their last seven Premier League away matches anyway, the Bees have won six of the last seven top-flight meetings between these clubs. That said, how will they fare against familiar Mbeumo and co?
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:25Amorim brings back Cunha, Dalot and Ugarte for Man Utd. Amad Diallo has been ruled out due to a family bereavement, Casemiro is suspended, and Noussair Mazraoui is injured. It is the first time Cunha has started alongside Sesko and former Brentford forward Mbeumo in attack.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:24Keith Andrews restores club-record signing Ouatarra to the Brentford lineup. Hickey is also included as Lewis-Potter and Pinnock drop to the bench, with Andrews looking to halt the Bees' worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:26Jensen smashes one across the face of goal from the left for the hosts, yet the flag is up for offside.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:24MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Senne Lammens, Tom Heaton, Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon, Leny Yoro, Tyler Fredricson, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:23BRENTFORD SUBS: Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson, Ethan Pinnock, Keane Lewis-Potter, Kristoffer Ajer, Rico Henry, Antoni Milambo, Frank Onyeka, Mathias Jensen, Vitaly Janelt.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:23Two sides in the bottom half of the Premier League table look to ignite a surge up the rankings. The 11th-placed United actually find themselves in fine fettle. They are searching for their third Premier League win in four matches, while the Bees are having a harder time of it in 17th and are desperate to grab just their second win of the league campaign. The travelling Red Devils are hoping to win a second consecutive league game for the first time under Ruben Amorim. Their last outing brought a 2-1 win in a hotly contested 10-man a-piece clash with Chelsea. The day’s hosts were unsuccessful in their previous match, also against West London opponents. They were defeated 3-1 by Fulham.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:24Dalot crosses for Zirkzee, yet the substitute forward can't steer his towering header on target.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:22Hello everyone, and welcome to live text coverage from the Premier League's early fixture. It's Brentford against Manchester United from the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:22There'll be eight minutes of added time.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:21The fans are up now, as Thiago comes off. Mathias Jensen replaces the brace-grabbing handful up top. Well, he'll likely provide an extra body in midfield.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:21Kayode smashes into Cunha, as now it looks like there'll be another change.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:18A shocking Janelt touch somehow ends up with Yoro kicking the ball against Thiago. The Brazilian gets into the area but slips, and De Ligt scrambles clear.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:17That booking is Dorgu's final influence on this game. On comes Joshua Zirkzee.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:16Dorgu is the next player to pick up a booking after a foul on Lewis-Potter.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:16De Ligt stumbles in the area and just about gets away with it as Yoro spares his blushes.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:15De Ligt! A long Dalot throw from the left is watched across the box by the home defence, and the Dutchman hooks his shot just wide of the right post!
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:13Damsgaard is off next. On comes Vitaly Janelt to help see this one out.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:12The second of the Brentford changes sees Ouattara replaced by Keane Lewis-Potter. It's been four minutes since the penalty foul was given.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:11Before the penalty, Hickey makes way for Rico Henry.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:13Brentford go for a double change. Henderson gets a great reception as he makes way for Frank Onyeka.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:12Amorim makes another change, as Shaw is off for Mason Mount.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:12Schade hauls down Cunha on the counter to pick up a yellow card.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:09PENALTY SAVED! Fernandes fails to convert from 12 yards! Kelleher saves well in the bottom-right corner!
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:09Of the seven penalties Kelleher has faced in his career for Liverpool and Brentford, he has now saved four of them (57%).
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:06It appears now that Collins' yellow is being checked for a potential red card. Did the defender's pull deny a goalscoring opportunity? Well, the answer is no... Fernandes can now get to take the spot-kick.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:06Penalty Save Caoimhín Kelleher
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:03While VAR are looking to see if Mbeumo was onside in the build-up, Collins receives a booking for his foul.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:03PENALTY TO UNITED! Mbeumo shoots wide inside the area, yet is pulled back by Collins to distract from the effort!
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:02Cunha! A bit of street football... After a United free-kick comes to nothing, Cunha pulls out a rabona to try and set a move alight. It doesn't do much, but looks good on the slow-motion replays!
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:00In what is clearly a mix-up in the system, Ugarte is off for Leny Yoro. Of course, it'll be midfielder for midfielder and defender for defender in this double switch.
Brentford vs Manchester United
14:00United go to the bench now, as Maguire is replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:58Hickey does well to snuff out Mbeumo on the right byline and win a goal kick for his side.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:57Bayindir keeps United in this game! Schade is played in with a ball on the left over Dalot. He cuts back inside and finds Ouattara in the box to side-foot on target. The Turkish stopper gets down well!
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:53Brentford win a free-kick just inside the United area after Dorgu brings down a driving Kayode. Hickey lofts it forward for Collins to win inside the box. Shaw gets across Van den Berg, stifling his poke on goal, and giving Baynidir an easier claim.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:51Fernandes is fed down the right by Cunha after making a great run. The Portuguese drives in a low cross, yet Kelleher pounces on it well.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:49Damsgaard's ball from the free-kick searches for Collins, yet it's half-cleared. The flag is then up for offside in the next move. Up the other end, Mbeumo cuts in from the left to cross to the back post. Dorgu is flying in, yet can't reach the delivery.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:47Fernandes chops through Ouattara's right ankle with a high boot on the home side's left flank. He laughs at referee Pawson, yet it'll be a yellow card.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:47De Ligt gives away an unnecessary foul, yet finds reprieve as Damsgaard's ball is headed clear from the away box.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:45With that earlier effort from Cunha, United have attempted the last nine shots in this game. Brentford's last shot was taken by Thiago in the 20th minute for his second goal.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:44Cunha has a go on the edge of the box, yet his low effort through the bodies is a relatively easy stop for Kelleher.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:42Schade and Damsgaard thread together a nice move through the United midfield. Ouattara is then the target inside the box, but it's intercepted.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:38Bayindir claims Kayode's long throw from the left, and the visitors work the ball up the right flank well. Until Cunha runs it out...
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:37Brentford get us back into the action with a ball back and then a long pump forward.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:32While Brentford have been good value for their lead, performing above their 0.89 xG, the half-time whistle signalled 30 minutes from Brentford's last shot. It's interesting to consider how Andrews might address his team at the break, given the fact that the Bees have dropped eight points from winning positions this season. As mentioned previously, Sesko's weight-lifting goal gives them a route back in, as they've also outdone their 0.94 xG. However, the hosts' direct nature has seen them look a bit rattled. As per the Opta Supercomputer, Brentford have a 69.1% chance of victory. A draw sits at 21.6%, while a United win comes in at a 9.3% probability.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:27The break rolls round and Brentford lead Manchester United 2-1 in West London. Thiago has so far been the man of the moment, notching a 12-minute brace to settle some returning Mbeumo worries for the hosts. His opener was a fine example of route one football, as in the eighth minute, he latched on to a sweeping Henderson ball forward. The Brazilian then did excellently to stay onside and power a bouncing ball into the top-left corner from the edge of the box. Bayindir had no chance as it clipped the inside of the left post on its way in. That said, the Turkish goalkeeper could've done a little better for the second in the 20th minute. Another long ball was knocked down by Thiago for Schade on the left. He then raced to the byline and whizzed a ball across that Bayindir parried straight into the path of the onrushing striker who'd continued his run. Before the game threatened to properly get away from them, Manchester United managed to grab a lifeline six minutes later, as Sesko opened his Premier League account. The Slovenian forced a smart double save from Kelleher after a Dorgu ball, before smashing home at the third time of asking.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:22HALF-TIME: BRENTFORD 2-1 MANCHESTER UNITED
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:21Kayode chucks it in the mixer, yet Maguire rises highest. Cunha is then fouled by Ouattara in the corner.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:20The first half has slowed to a gentle canter as the interval approaches. That said, Brentford have now just won a throw on the right. Cue Kayode.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:18There'll be four extra minutes at the end of the half.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:17Damsgaard's work down the right is stopped by Dorgu. Kayode goes short this time from the throw, and Ouattara's whipped cross has to be put out. Hickey then anticipates a counter really well.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:15United intercept the direct ball from the home goalkeeper and eventually get it out. Amorim's side don't look the most confident with the route one nature here, but they cope this time.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:14Cunha tries to whizz past Yarmoliuk as play comes in from a left-sided throw. Play is halted as the Brazilian shoves the midfielder to the floor. Brentford are going to go long with Kelleher.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:12Sesko bursts down the right and tries to feed Mbeumo. However, the pass has too much on it, and the Cameroonian can only run it out. Goal kick.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:10Mbeumo takes, Maguire heads, and Van den Berg nods away. The secondary cross is floated into Kelleher's grateful grasp.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:09Great challenge from Collins! A fleet-footed Cunha drives in from the left as United breach the Brentford half. The forward shoots, yet a great block from the Irishman sends it behind for a corner.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:07Kayode is a real weapon for the hosts. He takes another long throw, this time from the left, yet Maguire rises well to head out. 'Ave it.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:06Brentford have some contained possession at the back before a long ball sees things break loose. Dorgu is then fouled by Damsgaard inside his own half.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:04Mbeumo's ball is flicked up, and eventually drops for Cunha to shoot from the edge. Yarmoliuk charges down, and the Brazilian's effort is deflected out for a corner. Mbeumo then takes after a fine reception from the home fans in that section, yet the hosts get it out. The quick counter comes to nothing.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:02Dorgu shrugs off Thiago, before the big Brazilian tracks back and brings him down. Mbeumo will deliver from a decent crossing position.
Brentford vs Manchester United
13:01United are right back in this now, and that goal will do Sesko the world of good. That's his first goal on his seventh Premier League appearance. No '007' tagine here.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:59GOAL! 2-1! SESKO OPENS HIS UNITED ACCOUNT! Dorgu crosses from the left byline. Mbeumo and Kelleher challenge for the dropping ball, before the Slovenian's header and subsequent shot force two fine reflex saves. The ball drops kindly once more, and Sesko smashes it home. After a VAR check for a foul on the keeper... it stands!
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:58Brentford are enjoying some exciting attacking bursts. They win another free-kick on the right. Damsgaard delivers a lovely ball, but Collins gives away a foul against De Ligt before Bayindir can claim.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:55United gradually get forward and Sesko has a go. It's easily saved by Kelleher, despite a bit of movement on the strike.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:54Thiago is in red-hot form! He now has four goals in his last five games across all competitions.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:54After their solid start, United's woes now mean they have conceded four first-half goals in six games. Only Wolves (nine) and Brentford (five) have conceded more in the Premier League this season.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:52GOAL! 2-0! THIAGO AT THE DOUBLE! De Ligt gets caught out by a long ball, and the Thiago knockdown finds Schade. He drives to the left byline and pulls the ball back. Bayindir flaps at it, allowing Thiago to tap in the rebound!
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:50TWO EXCELLENT SAVES! Damsgaard's corner comes in from the left, and Van den Berg forces a strong-handed save. The second header from Collins comes from the next delivery, and forces the Turkish stopper to tip over in agile fashion!
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:51The home side are looking really buoyant after scoring early on. Damsgaard and Hickey stand over a right-sided corner. The Dane whips it in, yet United get it clear from a crowded penalty area.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:48Damsgaard takes the right-sided corner, but Fernandes is well-placed at the front post to nod out. Brentford keep the ball high. Ouattara jinks down the left, and Dalot has to block for another corner on the left.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:47Brentford need to build on their lead quickly, you feel. They have dropped eight points from winning positions this season. They await another long Kayode throw on the right. It's another fine throw and it nearly goes in! Bayindir has to flag it behind for a corner.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:45Cunha picks up the ball just outside the Brentford final third. He darts forward and shoots, yet his effort squirms well wide of the left post.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:45That goal has really taken the wind out of United's sails. The visitors are slow on the ball at the back, and Thiago presses well to give Bayindir a goal kick.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:43Thiago has now scored his third goal of the Premier League season, and that's the Bees' first shot of the game. Great start.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:41What a ball from Henderson... It's as route one as you can get. Taking advantage of United complaints with Cunha down, the former Liverpool man pelts it up to the big man to do the rest.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:40GOAL! IT'S 1-0 BRENTFORD AS THIAGO SLAMS INTO THE TOP-LEFT CORNER! We go from one end to the other as Cunha is tackled. A long pass from Henderson finds Thiago superbly, and the Brazilian belts a bouncing ball into the top corner via the inside of the left post! No chance for Bayindir...
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:39Collins zips a long pass forward to Damsgaard, and the Dane goes for a cute backheel. A lovely move nearly flourishes into life, but a visiting prod on the ball halts progress.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:36Kayode presides over a long throw on the right. It's a huge launch from the number 33, and Bayindir has to catch it.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:34Schade immediately races at Dalot and goes down. However, Pawson isn't interested. United quickly settle the nerves after this and retain possession.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:32Mbeumo plays the ball back against his old side, and we're off!
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:11MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-2-1): Altay Bayindir; Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha; Benjamin Sesko.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:06BRENTFORD (4-2-3-1): Caoimhin Kelleher; Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, Aaron Hickey; Jordan Henderson, Yehor Yarmoliuk; Dango Ouattara, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade; Igor Thiago.
Brentford vs Manchester United
12:00Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Brentford vs Manchester United
10:30Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
