For the second consecutive season, Manchester United demonstrated remarkable resilience by coming from behind to secure a vital victory over Brentford at Old Trafford, providing much-needed relief for manager Erik ten Hag.
The match began with controversy as United found themselves trailing at halftime, thanks to Ethan Pinnock’s injury-time header. The goal came while Matthijs de Ligt was off the field receiving treatment for a head wound, raising questions about the timing and implications of the play.
However, the tide turned at the start of the second half when Alejandro Garnacho finally ended United’s 316-minute goal drought in the Premier League. The young Argentine delivered a stunning first-time finish from a cross by Marcus Rashford, igniting the home crowd and reinvigorating the team’s spirit.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund sealed the victory for the hosts in the 62nd minute. He skillfully ran onto a flicked pass from Bruno Fernandes, using the outside of his boot to chip the ball over Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who had rushed out in an attempt to block.
Manchester United Victory Over Brentford Signals Hope Ahead of Europa League Clash
While this comeback may not have reached the dramatic heights of last season’s thrilling finish—when Scott McTominay scored twice in injury time to snatch victory—this win carries significant weight for Ten Hag. Facing intense scrutiny, particularly with the team starting the match in 14th place, anything less than a victory would have only intensified the pressure ahead of their upcoming Europa League trip to Fenerbahce.
Garnacho was a standout performer, consistently looking to make an impact. Although he showed determination and skill, he sometimes lacked the finishing touch. Early in the match, he created two chances: one was thwarted by Flekken, while the other went wildly off target. His eventual goal, however, was a moment of beauty, showcasing his perfect body positioning as he connected with Rashford’s cross. His celebration, racing to the corner flag, reflected the palpable relief among the fans.
Not content with just one goal, Garnacho continued to threaten Brentford’s defense, forcing Flekken into a fingertip save from another long-range effort. As he left the field to a standing ovation, the reliance on the young player became evident. At just 20 years old, United should not be so dependent on him, especially with Marcus Rashford still searching for form and Hojlund showing inconsistency despite his impressive winner.
The reaction from the United bench following Pinnock’s goal highlighted the frustration surrounding the situation. Concerns about concussion protocols were raised when De Ligt remained off the pitch for treatment after a collision with Kevin Schade’s knee. The defender was forced to leave the field three times for treatment, leading to questions about the decision to allow him to return before Brentford’s corner.
Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy expressed his displeasure to the fourth official, and Ten Hag soon followed suit, resulting in bookings for both. De Ligt, still receiving treatment, displayed his frustration at the sidelines, underscoring the chaos surrounding the moment.
Brentford’s goal marked their best moment of the match, though they struggled to capitalize further. Fabio Carvalho came close with a late shot that narrowly missed the target. For the Bees, this defeat represents another missed opportunity after leading previously, a familiar story for manager Thomas Frank, who faced a similar situation against Manchester City last month.
Frank will undoubtedly recognize that without Flekken’s stellar performance in goal, the scoreline could have been much worse. As Brentford reflects on this match, they will need to address their inability to hold onto leads and find ways to improve in future encounters.
United’s comeback victory not only eases the pressure on Erik ten Hag but also reignites hope among fans as they prepare for a crucial Europa League fixture. Meanwhile, Brentford must regroup and learn from yet another game lost from a winning position, looking for solutions to their ongoing struggles.
source – BBC