Premier League referee Anthony Taylor has defended his contentious decision to allow Brentford’s second goal in their exhilarating 4-3 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.

United made several alterations to the lineup that had secured victory against Athletic Club in the Europa League midweek, but they struggled to deliver a similar quality performance in west London.

Despite Mason Mount putting them ahead early, United found themselves trailing 4-1 in the late stages of the second half, with an own goal by Luke Shaw, two goals from Kevin Schade, and another from Yoane Wissa.

But it was the second Brentford goal that proved controversial, with Schade heading home at the back post with United momentarily down to 10 with Matthijs de Ligt down injured. 

United’s players complained to Taylor after the goal was given, and making a rare appearance on Sky Sports on Monday night, the official addressed the issue, pointing out that there was no hint of a head injury to the Dutch defender. 

‘The main consideration was my responsibility is to decide if De Ligt is seriously injured or not,’ Taylor explained. ‘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. 

‘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.’

Premier League referees are only expected to call a halt to proceedings for a ‘serious injury’, which as Taylor explains is largely a head injury or more serious bodily injury. 

De Ligt was left on the ground after a challenge with Wissa, and he appeared to be holding his hamstring at the time.

Despite the loss, which leaves United 15th with three games to play, Ruben Amorim’s side are perhaps more concerned with the ramifications on their Europa League campaign. 

Though they already have one foot in the final after thumping Athletic Club in Bilbao last week 3-0, the loss of De Ligt is a huge blow. 

It is as yet unconfirmed the nature of the injury, but it came in the defender’s first start since April 2, having just come back from another spell on the sidelines.  

‘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.’ 

Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, could be the target for a big-money offer from Al-Hilal this summer, but Manchester United have no intention of selling their captain.

The Saudi Pro League club have the funds for a star signing after Mohamed Salah decided to stay at Liverpool, and reports in the Middle East claim that Fernandes’ representatives held talks with Al-Hilal on Monday.

It’s understood there was initial contact between the two camps last year before Fernandes signed a new contract at United until 2027 with the option of a 12-month extension.

The 30-year-old playmaker has been United’s outstanding performer again this season with 19 goals and 18 assists so far. He is one of the few players the club would not be open to selling this summer as they look to rebuild under Ruben Amorim.

But United sources said on Monday night there has been no formal offer from Al-Hilal and they would not want to sell Fernandes if a bid comes in.