Man Utd news: Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'talking to free agent manager' as new VAR verdict received

The pressure is once again mounting on Ruben Amorim's shoulders after Manchester United's dismal 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday. Just days after restoring some optimism with a much-needed win over Chelsea, the Red Devils surrendered all their momentum in a bruising day at the Gtech Community Stadium.

One positive to take from the game was the fact Benjamin Sesko finally opened his account with his first United goal. But the milestone was overshadowed by the team's latest poor performance and collapse.

United spent the afternoon chasing the game, conceding twice within the opening 20 minutes. Sesko offered a lifeline by pulling one back midway through the first half, but any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in stoppage time as Brentford sealed the victory with a third goal.

The defeat wasn't without controversy. Bruno Fernandes squandered a chance to draw level when he missed a penalty after United fans had been incensed that Nathan Collins escaped with only a yellow card after dragging down Bryan Mbeumo in what many viewed as a clear last-man foul.

The result leaves Amorim's men in a perilously familiar position - hovering just above the relegation zone. With speculation growing that the club hierarchy are eyeing potential successors, the Portuguese coach can ill afford many more slip-ups. As the dust settles following yet another damaging setback, Mirror Football rounds up the latest news from around Old Trafford.

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Ratcliffe 'in contact with Southgate'

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly made direct contact with Gareth Southgate as doubts over Amorim's future continue to mount. The INEOS chief is said to have placed the former England manager on a three-man shortlist of potential successors.

According to talkSPORT, the other names under consideration are Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola. However, Southgate may hold the advantage given Ratcliffe's long-standing admiration for him, as well as being the only free agent.

Southgate's name first emerged as a candidate for the United job when Ratcliffe became co-owner in February 2024, and resurfaced again following Erik ten Hag's dismissal later that year.

The 55-year-old has been out of work since stepping down as England manager after Euro 2024, but his prospects at Old Trafford may hinge on timing. Reports suggest United are reluctant to part ways with Amorim before November 1, when the compensation owed to the Portuguese coach would be significantly reduced.

Brentford red card verdict given

Many felt United were hard done by on Saturday after Brentford narrowly avoided a red card, including former Premier League referee Mark Halsey. Collins conceded a second half penalty after bringing down former Bees forward Mbeumo in the box as the last man.

He was awarded a yellow card, but some think he should have been sent off since he was denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. VAR disagreed, confirming referee Craig Pawson's on-field decision following a review.

A statement from the Premier League Match Centre was later released explaining the decision. "The referee's call of penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR - with Collins deemed to have pulled Mbeumo back," it read. "VAR also checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Collins - and deemed that Mbeumo wasn’t in control of the ball."

However, Halsey, who officiated in the Premier League for more than 10 years, slammed both the decision and the subsequent explanation, suggesting the correct call was cut and dry.

"The statement from the Match Centre said that Mbeumo did not have control of the ball," he told the Sun. "It doesn't say in law about having the ball under control. It's about the likelihood of keeping control of the ball.

"In my opinion, the Match Centre statement was absolute nonsense and it was a clear, clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity. Manchester United will be very disappointed with that decision. A red card should have been shown to the Brentford player."

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