Manchester United U21s continued their perfect start to the season in the Premier League 2 on Friday after beating Brentford 3-2 at the Progress With Unity Stadium.
Teenager JJ Gabriel was not in the matchday squad following his decision to leave Man United.
Man United started on the front foot and nearly took an early lead when Tyler Fletcher slipped Jack Fletcher through, but the latter’s effort was parried away by goalkeeper Aidan Stokes.
Brentford took the lead against the run of play in the 20th minute. Joseph Wheeler-Henry delivered a cross to Isaac Holland, who tucked the ball into the net.
United drew level in the first half of stoppage time through a brilliant counter-attack, resulting in Amir Ibragimov drilling a shot into the bottom corner.
The Red Devils picked up where they left off before the interval as they control the proceedings in the beginning of the second period.
Their pressure eventually paid off after the hour mark, with Yuel Helafu’s speculative effort deflecting beyond the goalkeeper and into the net.
Brentford nearly got a quick response when Holland was played through, but the striker’s effort came back off the post.
Victor Musa extended Man United’s lead in the 76th minute. The two Fletcher brothers combined to set up Musa, who finished from close range with a first-time finish.
Holland scored the visitors’ consolation goal late on 82 minutes following a defensive mistake.
United held on to claim all three points. They are away at Nottingham Forest in their first league game after the international break.