Why Erik ten Hag received yellow card vs Brentford after Matthijs de Ligt decision

Erik ten Hag and Co were left furious when Ethan Pinnock scored Brentford's opener, moments after Matthijs de Ligt came off to receive treatment on his head, meaning he couldn't defend the corner.

Manchester United conceded their ninth goal in eight Premier League games, with Pinnock heading in from a corner on the brink of half-time. In reaction, Ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy were spotted having a word with the fourth official Gavin Ward.

It was the third time that the Dutch defender came off the pitch as his head was bleeding and that has been the protocol for years. Lacking presence in the box, Pinnock found space and strolled forward to head the ball past Andre Onana.

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It was clear to see how much De Ligt's absence was felt during the goal. Ten Hag meanwhile, believes that the defender should have been allowed back on the pitch before the corner was taken.

Prior to leaving the pitch for treatment with blood pouring down his head, footage from the pitchside showed De Ligt's angry reaction for being taken off before the corner was taken. He also reacted to the Bees' opener by booting the ball away on the sideline.

Given that was De Ligt's third time receiving treatment, the medical team should have patched up his head at the first given opportunity to prevent him from coming off at a crucial time in the game.