United’s Final Home Game in the 2022 PL Season
United Best Brentford 3-0 @ Old Trafford
It was a Monday filled with rainfall, attempted protests, Manchester United goals and player farewells when the Red Devils faced Brentford at 12:00 PM (PDT). United send the fans home with a moment of cheering and good fortune for those that have stuck with the team for such a disappointing and turbulent ride of a season.
Bruno Fernandes opened up the scoring books when he finished off an exquisite cross from the young Swedish International, Anthony Elanga in the 9th minute of the game. It was the Portuguese international’s 10th goal of the season and Elanga’s second assist in his 21 Premier League appearances.
After getting snubbed by VAR once again, Ronaldo was bound to score one in the home finale. The 37 year-old Striker got his chance when he won a penalty in the 61st minute of the game and delivered a perfectly driven ball to the lower left end of the goal. This was Ronaldo’s 18th PL goal of the season and he now currently sits in third place for the Golden Boot award. Even more historically, with Ronaldo scoring against Brentford this evening, it now totals 168 different teams that this legendary player has scored against. An absolutely mind blowing stat when taking a moment and thinking about that feat.
Ronaldo truly shined as he set the standards of play throughout the first half. In what felt like a charity start from Ralf Rangnick, Mata’s selection in the starting XI brought out a unique attacking style that was quickly noticed. United looked far more dangerous in the attack when Mata was given time and space in the No. 10 position. “El Mago” the team calls the Spanish player, played in what appears to be his final home game at Old Trafford in a United kit.
Raphael Varane scored his first goal as a United player in the second half which was exciting to many as Varane has meant so much to this defensive backline all season. Although the Centre-Back is getting a bit older now, his presence in set pieces can still be useful and showed today what he is capable of in the penalty box.
In a failed attempt at starting a fan walk off in the 73rd minute of the game, United fans tried to protest the owners, the Glazer Family, but ultimately failed. With all due respect the fans have a right to protest and deservedly so against an ownership who has often neglected the fans wants and desires. But, if you are going to make a sign that says “73 we walk out” sign you better do it.
The Farewells Begin
Nemanja Matic, Phil Jones and Juan Mata were all sure that this was their last appearance as a Red Devil, at least in front of the home fans tonight. However, in what could have been the final appearance at home for Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and potentially a couple more Red Devils.
Apart of me was sad for a moment as each player has a very fond moment or two in a United jersey that I can remember. However, the lack of quality has been there for some time and some of these players could be a direct contribution in the teams lack of chemistry and amateurism at times on the pitch.
A few notes to add, Juan Mata is unfortunate to not have a better career in Manchester as he was once so magical for a Chelsea side in the early to mid 2010’s. Jesse Lingard has been with the club since a young boy, age of 9, battled with many off the field issues and loan spell that regained his namesake even, but did not feature in front of the fans. It was a bit cruel from Coach Rangnick, but at the end of the day, you only have three substitutes.
Final Send Off
It was an absolute treat to cover my favorite Football team this semester. As it is a dream of mine to one day be a beat writer for a Professional sport team one day, this was just a small taste that was oh-so sweet. Special thanks to English news and specifically Samuel Luckhurst who has given so much inspiration, knowledge and creativity to my writing and someone I look up to in the field of Journalism.
The Beat @APU 