Manchester United put in a weekend-ruining performance away at Brentford and escaped with a point.
Brentford managed more than 80 touches inside the Manchester United box at the weekend, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw.
United were woeful throughout, with Brentford attempting more than 30 shots, saved by the woodwork and an impressive performance from goalkeeper Andre Onana, which saw him named in the BBC team of the week.
Speaking to Five, former player Rio Ferdinand says he felt let down by United’s efforts, commenting: “The performance left me so flat.”
Rio Ferdinand pleased for Mason Mount
Rio Ferdinand did make a point of praising Manchester United’s goalscorer on the night, midfielder Mason Mount.
Mount, a £55 million summer signing, scored his first ever Manchester United goal, after coming off the bench in the 80th minute.
It looked like Mount had scored the winner, with his goal coming in the 96th minute. Unfortunately Brentford equalised in the 99th, after an impressive assist from Ivan Toney.
Ferdinand wanted to point out Mount’s contribution, despite the overwhelming feeling of negativity towards United’s overall display.
He said: “I need to shout out Mason Mount. Forget the result right now. Mason Mount has had a really tough opening few months to his Man United career.
“For him to get a goal, I was gutted we didn’t finish the game off, for him to get a winner.
“Hopefully now he can go on a run now and get a bit of confidence and play his way into the team, I’ve been waiting.”
Mason Mount set to take centre stage v Chelsea
Mason Mount has a lot of responsibility wearing Manchester United’s number seven shirt, and he has barely had a chance to settle and show what he can do.
Mount has had two spells out of the team with injury, and came into this season after an injury-hit end to 2022/23 with Chelsea.
At the least, he intends to stay injury free between now and the end of the season, and start to show what he’s all about, to rediscover some form and confidence.
Heprovided an assist in the Carabao Cup last September, but this was his first goal contribution in the Premier League in a Manchester United shirt.
Next up he is in action against his former club when United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this coming Thursday, and there will be a lot of attention on him. Mount deserves a great reception there, and should be determined to show his former side what they are missing out on – and show his new side what we have.