Footage from the Old Trafford stands shows just how angry Ruud van Nistelrooy and Matthijs de Ligt were left following Ethan Pinnock’s goal against Manchester United. Scored right on the stroke of half-time, tensions were high.
In the seconds after the goal, bodies were moving all over. Pinnock sprinted to Mikkel Damsgaard in the corner after his cross lead to an open header, Andre Onana came off his line to confront the defenders about a gap opening up in front of him, Erik ten Hag crossed waved his arms in annoyance, De Ligt headed off down the touchline, and Van Nistelrooy met him going the other way.
It was brief carnage as TV cameras struggled to pick up everything. The celebration was first, then to Onana, fourth official Gavin Ward was next before Ten Hag, Van Nistelrooy, United’s physios, and De Ligt were all picked up gesticulating.
READ MORE: United next five fixtures compared to Chelsea and Aston Villa after dramatic Brentford win
READ MORE: Manchester United player ratings vs Brentford
What was missed was the initial reaction. As the focus went to Thomas Frank’s jubilant players, it missed De Ligt smashing a ball away on the sideline.
In a video from journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft, De Ligt is seen shrugging his arms and shaking his head after being told to leave the pitch for a second time following a cut on his head. During the first incident from earlier on he was treated on the pitch and spent some time being assessed whilst Victor Lindelof warmed up.
He was deemed fine to continue but didn’t return with a bandage on his head. 20 minutes later that same gash appeared to have opened again, leaving blood running down the side of his face.
As is regulatory, De Ligt had to come off the pitch to clear up. Evidently annoyed at being removed, he was already shaking his head as two physios went about repairing the damage.
Before they could do much, De Ligt had turned round to see Pinnock head home. His immediate response was fury, swinging a leg at a nearby ball, smashing it away, and then shouting in anger.
The Dutchman stormed off away from his medical helpers, past the fourth official, and lashed his arms out. De Ligt then quickly gave his attention to Ward, confronting him.
Van Nistelrooy was involved shortly after, questioning what had gone on to leave United temporarily down to 10 men. Both De Ligt and Van Nistelrooy surrounding Ward, stretching their arms out wide and demonstrating.
As well as Ten Hag, who was later booked for his own show of dissent, Van Nistelrooy was carded too. He continued to push Ward over the incident before eventually moving away, throwing his hands up in disbelief.
Although the red mist threatened to descend on United’s staff and players, Ten Hag was able to get things going after the break, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund completing a much-needed turnaround. “We are very happy, but I also think that we played a good performance in the first half,” Garnacho told MUTV after the match.
“We were 1-0 down but I think we played, in general, a very good game. After the first half we were very angry because we played with 10 men for a little bit of the time, but with a good mentality we came back in the game.
“I missed two big chances in the first half but I came to the second one with the same mentality: try to score and win the game. Finally, I could do it. Also, Rasmus, I am happy for him.”
