Why Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch before Brentford goal – and not allowed back on before corner was taken as Man Utd fume

Manchester United were left fuming after Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch and not allowed back on before a Brentford corner.

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• De Ligt suffered head injury against Brentford
• Was not on pitch when visitors scored
• Man Utd left fuming by situation

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United went behind to an Ethan Pinnock goal in their 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday and were left furious on the touchline after the ball went in. De Ligt had been forced off for treatment and was a bystander on the touchline as Pinnock headed home. The Dutch defender had already been treated twice for a head injury, that had left the Dutchman covered in blood, but was forced off again to be patched up. He was then not allowed back on before Brentford's corner was taken, leaving the defender and Erik ten Hag both furious with the match officials.

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  THE EXPLANATION

  De Ligt was forced off due to Premier League rules which dictate that players cannot be active if they have blood on their body or their kit. Yet if United had simply bandaged up De Ligt after his initial head injury, he may not have had to go off again and would have been on the pitch to mark Pinnock from the corner.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Manchester United did manage to channel their frustrations in a positive way and went on to claim a much-needed victory. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund secured Ten Hag a welcome three points, while De Ligt managed to complete the 90 minutes despite his head injury.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD

  Manchester United now face a trip to Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday. The clash sees the Red Devils come up against former boss Jose Mourinho.