RED DEVILS PUT DRAMA ASIDE IN CRUSHING WIN

MANCHESTER United took the sting out of its fans’ latest protest against the Glazer family when it eased to a 3-0 win against Brentford.

Ahead of a summer of change for troubled United, Ralf Rangnick’s side won for just the second time in seven games to keep the atmosphere from turning toxic at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes struck early in the first half and Cristiano Ronaldo converted a second-half penalty before France defender Raphael Varane bagged his first goal for United.

Despite winning its last home game of the season, United remains in sixth place in the Premier League with two matches left.

The Red Devils are five points adrift of the top four with no realistic hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Fittingly, it was under grey, rain-filled skies that fans protested against despised owners the Glazers for a third successive home match.

Outside the stadium before kick-off, a group of supporters held up antiGlazer banners, set off red smoke bombs and made offensive chants about the club’s owners.

United fans had been urged by the protesters to leave the stadium with 17 minutes left in the match – one minute for every year the US-based Glazers have owned the club.

Brentford, making its first visit to Old Trafford in 47 years, almost exposed United’s leaky defence when Christian Eriksen swung in a cross that Ivan Toney headed just over.

After several listless displays, this was a more energetic effort from United and Mata fired narrowly wide from Ronaldo’s flamboyant pass.

Ronaldo epitomised United’s verve when he tracked back to halt a dangerous attack from the visitors.

He won a penalty in the 60th minute when he powered past Rico Henry and was barged to the turf by the Brentford defender.

After picking himself up, Ronaldo sent David Raya the wrong way from the spot.