Kristoffer Ajer found the net in the ninth minute of injury time, enabling Brentford to secure a thrilling draw against Manchester United in an extraordinary conclusion at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Three minutes after Mason Mount believed he had secured the win for the visiting team with his first goal for United, Brentford struck back for an equalizer.
Unfortunately for the Red Devils, they couldn’t maintain their lead, and this draw deals a blow to their slim chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Ivan Toney, fresh off scoring his debut goal for England in the 2-2 draw with Belgium, played a role in setting up the equalizer.
Ajer converted his pull-back, earning Brentford a deserved point after hitting the woodwork four times earlier in the match.
Despite Brentford’s dominance, they were thwarted by the woodwork on multiple occasions. Mathias Jorgensen’s free header narrowly missed the top of the crossbar before halftime, and Yoane Wissa’s powerful volley struck the upright just before the hour mark. Bryan Mbeumo also saw his fierce attempt rebound off the crossbar in the second half.
Toney thought he had secured the win for Brentford with a volley from Mbeumo’s cross in the 72nd minute, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken made a crucial save to deny Rasmus Hojlund, but he couldn’t stop substitute Mount from scoring. However, Ajer’s late goal salvaged a draw for Brentford.
In previous seasons, a top-four finish guaranteed qualification for the Champions League. However, depending on the performance of English teams in European competitions, fifth place may also secure a spot in the top continental tournament.
Despite reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, United finds themselves in sixth place, trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by 11 points and fifth-placed Tottenham by eight, although Erik ten Hag’s side has a game in hand on Villa.