Keith Andrews expressed pride in his side’s display despite Brentford falling short against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Coming into the contest with a clear tactical approach, the Bees looked to disrupt United’s rhythm and hit on the break.
However, early momentum tilted in United’s favour, with the hosts capitalizing on set-piece pressure to take the lead.
Despite that setback, Brentford gradually grew into the game, finding their passing rhythm and pushing forward with intent.
Chances came and went for the visitors, with Igor Thiago unable to convert key first-half opportunities.
Then, after the restart, Dango Ouattara came agonizingly close, striking the post as Brentford searched for a breakthrough.
As the match transitioned from end to end, United punished Brentford on the counter, with Amad Diallo sparking a move that was finished off following Bruno Fernandes’ involvement.
That second goal proved decisive, leaving Brentford chasing the game late on.
Although Mathias Jensen pulled one back with a curling effort, it came too late to alter the outcome, as the Bees were forced to settle for defeat.
Reflecting after the final whistle, Andrews highlighted both the positives and the key moments that shaped the result.
“I was really happy with how we performed overall,” Andrews said. “United started the game better than we did, they were dangerous from corner kicks and got the lead from that.
“I felt after that we calmed down a little bit, we started to take control of the ball a bit better, got to grips with the game, the occasion, and the opposition better and then I thought we were in a good place.
“We needed to control transitions better especially in the first half. The second goal was really disappointing, the timing and where we were in the game.
“But the overall performance of the players, the bravery of the players, was really impressive.”
Despite the loss, Brentford remain firmly in the mix for European qualification, sitting ninth and just two points off sixth in a tightly packed table.
As the season enters its final stretch, their performance at Old Trafford offers encouragement, even if the result didn’t go their way.
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