Manchester United were left fuming after Ethan Pinnock scored for Brentford whilst defender Matthijs de Ligt was off the field. Following a head injury earlier in the half, which saw him treated on the field and cared for on the touchline, a second blow left him unable to take up his front post spot.

Pinnock duly nodded in at Old Trafford right on the stroke of half-time. In reaction, United assistant Rudd van Nistelrooy was left venting to fourth official Gavin Ward.

Erik ten Hag was also furious at the state of affairs which saw his side trailing at home once more. Despite creating some big chances against Brentford, his side had conceded a simple goal to one of the league’s set-piece kings.

Lacking a presence in the centre of the box, Pinnock was able to stroll forward and head under no pressure at all, just yards away from Andre Onana’s goal. De Ligt’s absence was sorely felt.

United appeared to believe that the centre-back should be allowed on the pitch. However, with blood once more pouring down his face following a collision, he needed patching up.

The frustration for United comes after he had already received treatment in the game. De Ligt was removed temporarily earlier after a cut on the top of his head. That saw a relatively minor blood spill, but on the second occasion he was covered and had no way of staying on.

Premier League rules dictate that players cannot be active with blood on their body or kit. United arguably could have added a bandage to De Ligt at the first opportunity, something which could have saved him from being taken off at a crucial moment later in the match.

Ten Hag was booked in the aftermath of the goal. At the same time, footage from pitchside has shown De Ligt’s anger at being taken off before the corner, as well as him booting the ball away on the sideline when Brentford scored.