Manchester United create Premier League history in Brentford loss

Manchester United fielded their youngest-ever starting XI in the Premier League era as they slumped to a 16th league defeat of the season.

Ruben Amorim said that he 'liked' the performance on his youngsters despite a loss to Brentford that extended their winless run to six in the Premier League.

Mason Mount gave United an early lead before the Bees hit four goals without reply at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Late goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo provided late hope but it was too little too late as Thomas Frank's side boosted their European ambitions with a 4-3 win.

Team selection breaks records

With an average age of 22 years and 270 days, United's starting XI was the third-youngest any side has ever selected for a Premier League fixture.

Leading the line for the Red Devils was Chido Obi and he created club history himself.

At the age of 17 years and 156 days he became the youngest player to start a Premier League game for Manchester United.

Obi is a Denmark youth international who joined the club from Arsenal last year and had only featured from off the bench in his five previous league appearances for United.

Speaking on Match of the Day, former Red Devils forward Wayne Rooney said that he 'felt' for Obi during the game: "They had a 17-year-old lad up front - the youngest-ever to start a Premier League game for Manchester United - and they were just launching balls up to him.

"I really felt for Obi because you could tell how inexperienced he is and then it also looked like he had no help.

"They were just throwing balls up to him."

Attention will now turn to Thursday's Europa League semi-final second-leg clash with Athletic Club.

Victory in the competition remains Manchester United's only route to UEFA Champions League qualification for next season.

William Dobbie

• Manchester United F.C.
• Premier League
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