Anthony Taylor explains Man Utd controversy after Brentford goal sparked complaints

referee Anthony Taylor has defended his decision to allow 's controversial second goal against Manchester United to stand, despite protests from the Red Devils' players. The Bees triumphed 4-3 in a thrilling top-flight encounter on Sunday afternoon. United took an early lead through Mason Mount, only for the hosts to equalise via an unfortunate own goal from Luke Shaw.

However, controversy erupted just before half-time when Kevin Schade outjumped Tyler Fredricson to head home a superb goal. Several United players appealed that play should have been stopped due to Matthijs De Ligt being down injured after a challenge with Yoane Wissa. Regardless, Taylor allowed the goal to stand. De Ligt was seen clutching his leg and signalling for assistance, but play continued without interruption, leading to Brentford's goal.

Taylor appeared on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, where he was grilled about his decision by Dave Jones and Jamie Carragher. Unwavering, the referee maintained that he made the correct call.

"The main consideration was my responsibility is to decide if De Ligt is seriously injured or not. Generally you consider a serious injury a head injury in the main. In this situation because he's sitting up I don't consider that serious and allowed the game to continue. It's probably more a foul on Wissa than the other way," he explained.

"In this situation we were more than happy to let the game continue. Brentford were in a promising attacking situation so they don't want the game stopped. United were the defending team, they probably do want the game stopped."

Schade managed to net his second goal of the day from a Bryan Mbeumo cross with just 20 minutes left on the clock. Wissa seemed to seal the victory for Brentford just four minutes later.

However, Alejandro Garnacho gave United a glimmer of hope with an impressive long-range goal eight minutes before the final whistle. Amad added to the tension by scoring deep into stoppage time, but Brentford managed to hold their ground.

Now, De Ligt is likely facing a period out of action, which is a significant setback for manager Ruben Amorim. Despite this, United remain hopeful about their chances in the Europa League, although De Ligt's absence could be a major blow.

Amorim stated on the defender's injury: "I don't know, we will check. I hope it is [only] a small issue because I am concerned, not only about this game [against Athletic Club, but about the squad for the next year.

"I hope it's nothing serious. We took a risk with [Harry] Maguire [having to come on]. [Luke] Shaw had to go off [at half-time] because we need players for Thursday."