Blood everywhere as Matthijs de Ligt cuts head open - with Erik ten Hag furious as Brentford score from corner while Man Utd centre-back was ordered off pitch

The incident occurred just 10 minutes into the first half when Brentford forward Kevin Schade controlled a loose ball near the edge of United’s penalty area. De Ligt, attempting to clear the danger, arrived late with a diving header but collided headfirst into Schade’s knee instead of the ball. The impact left the Dutch international with a deep, bleeding wound on his head, causing a lengthy pause in play as medical staff rushed to attend to him.

United's medical staff did their best to stop the blood flow, but despite repeated treatments, the wound continued to trouble him even deep into first-half stoppage time. While De Ligt was receiving treatment for the third time on the sidelines, Brentford earned a corner and scored through Ethan Pinnock.

After the Red Devils conceded the first goal, assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was visibly furious, storming towards the fourth official, Gavin Ward, to express his frustration. Ten Hag also appeared to be livid with the officials for allowing Brentford to gain a decisive advantage and in the process got himself booked.

Although Ten Hag instructed Victor Lindelof to warm up, the manager stuck to De Ligt as the defender deemed himself fit to continue. He continued to keep his spot beside Lisandro Martinez after the half-time break as United made a comeback with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmund Hojlund finding the net.