Manchester United finally win to relieve pressure on Erik ten Hag. Brentford would rue missed opportunities

• Bruno’s sublime flick set Hojlund up to score Man Utd to victory.

• Garnacho perfectly finished a Rashford cross to equalise.

• Controversial goal – De Ligt was asked to go off-field for treatment during the corner.

• Pinnock’s header creates the breakthrough for Brentford.

Match Report

Manchester United came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford and end their winless run. Ethan Pinnock’s header in first-half stoppage-time had put further pressure on Erik ten Hag, whose team came into the contest without a win in five games, but superb second-half goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund turned it around.

The first half of the match saw the impressive Garnacho create most of the half chances for United. But Brentford, with their trademark combination of short passes and long throws, played resolutely and looked the more composed side. They were rewarded with a set-piece goal headed by Pinnock when Dalot lost his mark. It was a controversial goal as Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the field temporarily for treatment (of a head injury); thus leaving United with only 10 men.

Ten Hag’s frustration was apparent, as he was yellow-carded for his complaints. Manchester United needed to respond and they came out with greater intensity in the second half. Marcus Rashford started the comeback for the Reds as his cross was met on the volley by Garnacho and the home crowd was up on their feet.

Manchester United definitely had the edge in the second half. As they played the better football. The victory-sealing goal came for United when Brentford failed to clear their lines. Resulting in a sublime Bruno Fernandes flick of the ball to Hojlund who finished with composure ensuring Old Trafford had cause for celebration.

Thomas Frank’s team tried their best to muster a comeback of their own but couldn’t convert their chances. Brentford now drops off to 12th in the league table. Manchester United leapfrogs them to 10th. Erik ten Hag gets a breather from criticism as United looks to gather momentum from this win.