Premier League: United boost Champions League hopes
Manchester United 1 - 0 Brentford
Marcus Rashford scored his 28th goal of the season as Manchester United defeated Brentford with a controlled win at Old Trafford.
Our write up on just a second defeat in 17 Premier League games ⤵#MUNBRE | #BrentfordFC
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 5, 2023
The Bees stunned Erik ten Hag's side back in August, storming to a 4-0 win. Who remembers that incredible match back in August.
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However, there was no sign of a repeat on a rain-soaked night in Manchester, as United's three-game scoreless run was broken expertly by Rashford.
The striker latched onto Marcel Sabitzer's knockdown in the 27th minute. He volleyed emphatically beyond David Raya from close range to secure a vital three points for his side.
Brentford were surprisingly passive after being engaged in a 3-3 thriller with Brighton only four days prior and such an exertion was evident in Thomas Frank's charges. They were unusually subdued, registering only one effort on target.
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In contrast to their defeat against Newcastle, United started on the front foot against the below-par Bees. They forced a series of corners and presentable set-piece opportunities as the visitors attempted to sit in and stifle their hosts.
What are Manchester United fans saying?
Liam, a Manchester United Season Ticket holder, told us: "It was a decent performance. A clean sheet and 3 points is what's important at the moment. With Casemiro and Eriksen due back soon, things are looking promising with the congested fixtures ahead."
Josh, another Man United fan, added: "The first hour was the best that we have played for a while. The last 30 minutes was all about holding on to the result and we did that comfortably."
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The YouTuber idkaname posted this on the highlights of the match. He said: "Sancho needs more credit! He played a wonderful game and brings awesome ideas to the game! He sees things. He gets his confidence back, I love to see it!"
Reaction from Brentford players and manager
Thomas Frank said: "We didn't hit the highest level first half. The second half, we were much more the team we know, we did everything we could to force the equaliser."
💬 "We didn't hit the highest level first half. Second half, we were much more the team we know ... we did everything we could to force the equaliser"
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 5, 2023
Thomas Frank's post-match with @pensionbee#MUNBRE | #BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/6DqBuhThRY
Mads Roerslev added: "We came here to win, and we’ll take the next game as we always do and go for the win again.”
Gavin, a Brentford fan, also gave his thoughts on the match. He said: "I was a bit disappointed with the performance at times. We didn't threaten them enough and we have proven this season that we can cause them a lot of problems."
