A clip of Brentford’s summer signing Aaron Hickey decking Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has gone viral.
The challenge happened in the second minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half, a half that saw Erik ten Hag’s side crumble under the intense heat and pressure at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Ronaldo had managed to get a rare touch of the ball after a miserable half but in came Brentford’s 20-year-old full back with a shoulder to shoulder challenge. The five time Ballon d’Or winner was sent flying. You can watch the challenge below.
Fans were quick to react to the challenge made by the Scotsman.
One fan said: “Can honestly say that Aaron Hickey body slamming ronaldo is the best thing i’ve ever seen.”
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Another tweeted: “CRISTIANO Ronaldo is 17 years older than Aaron Hickey...the boy shows no respect at all.”
And a third added: “Aaron Hickey owns Cristiano Ronaldo.”
United were not at the races from the moment the match kicked off. Brentford went ahead after just 10 minutes after David de Gea failed to deal with a tame effort by Josh Dasilva.
Mathias Jensen then made it 2-0 when he stole the ball from Christian Eriksen before cooly converting. Summer signing Ben Mee got himself on the score sheet with a far post header to make it 3-0.
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Bryan Mbeumo then made it 4-0 when he expertly finished off an impressive counter attack.
In the second half, United were slightly better but it was evident that Brentford had started to take their foot off the gas, they showed great game management to hold on for a famous 4-0 victory.
Ten Hag’s side are now rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, the first time this has happened since 1992.
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After the game, Ten Hag told BBC Sport: “The team has to take responsibility. I feel really sorry for the fans - they did everything to support us but we let them down.
“You have to take responsibility on the pitch as a team and as individuals, that's what we didn't do. What I asked them to do is play with belief and take responsibility for the performance. We have to work on that.
“The manager is responsible as well. He has the main responsibility and I'll take that and work on that.”
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Goalkeeper De Gea also took responsibility during his post match interview.
He said: “I’m just taking my responsibility today. I think I cost three points for my team. It was a poor performance from myself.
“After the first mistake and then the second, it was very difficult for my team-mates.”
Things are about to get much more difficult for Ten Hag and his players as they will host arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford next Monday.
Topics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Aaron Hickey, Brentford, Premier League
Marcus Chan