MANCHESTER UNITED’s bench went into total meltdown after Brentford’s controversial first-half opener.

The Bees opened the scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time through Ethan Pinnock after a corner-kick that saw United defending while a man down at Old Trafford.

Man Utd’s bench exploded after Brentford’s controversial opener

Matthijs de Ligt kicked a ball away in anger at Old Trafford

Man Utd assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy lashed out at the fourth official

That is because a bloodied Matthijs de Ligt was ordered to leave the pitch by referee Samuel Barrott as his head was busted open after a collision earlier in the match.

De Ligt, 25, had first gone off for medical attention due to a gash to his head on the brink of first-half stoppage time.

Man Utd ace De Ligt was ordered to leave the pitch after he was busted open

Man Utd conceded a late goal by Brentford while defending with 10 men

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag was booked for protesting

United manager Erik ten Hag was also shown a yellow card for his protests.

But two minutes into the second half, the home team rallied and equalized through Alejandro Garnacho.

And on minute sixty-two, Rasmus Hojlund completely changed the course of the match, giving the Theatre of Dreams hope again.