Raphael Varane’s first Manchester United goal and strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo ensured that the Red Devils finished their home fixture list with a resounding 3-0 win over Brentford.
United took to the field for their final home game of the season under acrimonious circumstances. Yet another below-par season from the Red Devils meant that discontent was brewing in the stands of Old Trafford, with several faithful supporters even planning – and later, executing – a mass walkout. However, a masterful performance by Ralf Rangnick’s men did ease the tension and provided a fitting farewell to some of the club’s departing stars.
Three players expected to stay at the club beyond this summer combined for the opening goal of the game. Diogo Dalot initiated the move from his right-back position, spraying the ball forward for Anthony Elanga to chase. The Swede got the better of his man by the touchline and pulled the ball back across the penalty box for Bruno Fernandes to score.
Rangnick gave Juan Mata his final start at Old Trafford – the veteran midfielder is among the players leaving at the end of the season – and he showed the inventiveness that the team has lacked on countless occasions.
A minute before the interval, the Spaniard creatively combined with his teammates to get on the wrong side of his marker before supplying Cristiano Ronaldo with an inch-perfect cross, which the talisman put in the back of the net only to be ruled out for offside.
After the break, Nemanja Matic, featuring in his final home game, released Fernandes with a ball over the Brentford defence, but the attacker flashed his shot wide.
Ronaldo doubled United’s lead just past the hour mark from the spot. The 37-year-old won the penalty himself – receiving a foul from Rico Henry – and blasted his kick into the corner with power. Raphael Varane scored his first in a red shirt in the 72nd minute, volleying an Alex Telles corner past David Raya, putting the game beyond any doubt whatsoever.
The curtains fell on Old Trafford for another trophyless season, but the disappointment may not be over yet. Despite being in the race for a top-four spot numerically, Manchester United are all but confirmed to miss out on the Champions League next season. The Red Devils are sixth, five behind Arsenal with six to play for, but they have played two more games than the Gunners.
