Premier League: Man United fight back against Brentford
Manchester United 2 - 1 Brentford
The Red Devils came from behind to claim a vital win over Brentford at Old Trafford, easing the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
United found themselves trailing at half-time after Ethan Pinnock headed Brentford into the lead in controversial fashion, with the goal coming while Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch receiving treatment for a head injury.
However, early in the second half, a stunning goal from Alejandro Garnacho ended United’s 316-minute Premier League goal drought with a stunning first-time strike from Marcus Rashford’s cross, bringing the home side level.
The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when Rasmus Højlund latched onto a brilliant flicked pass from Bruno Fernandes, expertly chipping the ball over the onrushing Brentford goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, to secure the win for United.
While the match didn’t have the late drama of last season's injury-time double from Scott McTominay that dashed Brentford’s hopes of a first win at Old Trafford since 1937, this victory might prove even more important for Ten Hag.
A more detailed look at what happened
Brentford nearly conceded in a bizarre moment midway through the first half when goalkeeper Mark Flekken dropped a cross into Rasmus Højlund's path but managed to scoop the ball off the line just in time.
Flekken was then called into action again, stopping a near-post effort from Bruno Fernandes. At the other end, Andre Onana pulled off an even more spectacular save, tipping Christian Norgaard’s dipping strike over the bar.
Just before half-time, United were dealt a blow when Ethan Pinnock headed in Mikkel Damsgaard's corner, with Matthijs de Ligt off the pitch for treatment after a head injury. As the players walked off at half-time, Brentford fans sung "you're getting sacked in the morning" at the United boss.
Chaos at Old Trafford. De Ligt sent off for third time by ref Barrott to address his bloody head, as Damsgaard prepares to take a corner. Second later, Pinnock heads in.
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) October 19, 2024
Van Nistelrooy furious. So too Ten Hag. Both get booked. "Sacked in the morning," sing Brentford fans. #MUFC
However, United responded quickly, equalising just two minutes into the second half. Alejandro Garnacho volleyed in a brilliant finish at the back post from Marcus Rashford's cross.
United increased the tempo from there, and their pressure paid off around the hour mark. Højlund coolly chipped Flekken after latching onto Fernandes’ clever backheel pass.
With United’s confidence growing, Flekken had to pull off another big save to deny Diogo Dalot, but there were no late surprises as Erik ten Hag's side held on for a much-needed, morale-boosting win.
The reaction from the United fans and players at full-time was evidence that they are behind their manager.
More reaction
In his blog for Super Reds News, Liam C said: "There was a huge sense of relief at the end. I keep wondering why we haven't been able to demonstrate more of the second-half fire and urgency in other games this season. We need to get our first win of the Europa League campaign when we travel to Fenerbache before a trip to West Ham on Sunday."
Josh D, another United fan, added: "There is still a great deal of work to be done before the current 'crisis' can be considered resolved. Danger still lurks at every turn, beginning with a meeting in Istanbul on Thursday with José Mourinho. You'd have to say though that despite the challenges in this match, we still managed to do really well."
