Manchester United vs Brentford LIVE: Premier League result as Rasmus Hojlund completes turnaround
Manchester United 2-1 Brentford: Erik ten Hag’s side came from behind to claim their first win in six attempts
Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund got on the scoresheet as Manchester United bounced back after conceding a controversial goal to beat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford for their first victory in more than a month.
The win meant United climbed to 10th in the standings on 11 points after eight matches, and eased some of the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, whose job has been the subject of media speculation. Brentford are 12th on 10 points.
United had 10 men on the pitch when Ethan Pinnock headed in Brentford’s goal from a corner deep in first-half stoppage time after referee Sam Barrott instructed Matthijs de Ligt to go to the touchline to stem the bleeding from a gash on his head.
United came out of the break fired up and Garnacho latched onto a cross from Marcus Rashford to fire home from the left side of the six-yard box into the far corner in the 47th minute.
Hojlund put the home side ahead in spectacular fashion in the 62nd when Bruno Fernandes found him with a back-heel pass, and the Dane chipped the ball over goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Manchester United’s sense of injustice sparks comeback win for Erik ten Hag
Perhaps it took a sense of injustice to spare Manchester United further ignominy. When the half-time whistle blew, they were losing and losing their rag, Brentford on course for a first win at Old Trafford since 1937, United set for a third consecutive league defeat at Old Trafford, a fate they had not suffered since 1979. As it stood, they were the joint lowest scorers in the Premier League, their drought stretching past five hours. The class of 2024 were failing, the class of 2004 fuming. Ruud van Nistelrooy was booked. Darren Fletcher ran after the officials in the tunnel.
Ethan Pinnock’s opener – though actually far less controversial than United imagined – had annoyed their past. Their present responded. The temptation was to call it a much-needed win for Erik ten Hag, though perhaps the scarcity of victories means they all are, but ended with a first triumph in six games, just a fourth in 12 outings this season. The outstanding Alejandro Garnacho delivered a wonderful equaliser, Rasmus Hojlund a decider to cap a show of spirit.
Man Utd’s sense of injustice sparks comeback win for Erik ten Hag
Manchester United vs Brentford
The full-time whistle sounds and United are 2-1 victors over Brentford at Old Trafford. While the first half saw a bloody De Ligt struggling and touchline-bound, Brentford were decisive in his absence and struck the lead just before the interval. Pinnock rose best from a Damsgaard corner to head into the top-left, and it's fair to suggest that even with De Ligt on the pitch, that goal would still go in. In the second half, United changed their tune and were inspired by Garnacho's continued skilful industry. Just two minutes into the new period, the Argentine restored parity with a lovely volleyed finish as Rashford found him on the left channel of the area with a beautifully pin-point pass. Then, after continued offensive impetus, 15 minutes later saw the Red Devils snatch the lead with Hojlund. Martinez won the ball back and played forwards. Fernandes then offered a deft flick to play in the Dane, who obliged to dink the on-rushing Flekken and ultimately provide the decisive goal of the afternoon. United operated at an xG of 1.48, while the visitors stayed at an xG of 0.98. Now, United go 10th in the table, with Brentford down to 12th. Thank you for joining us today, goodbye!
Manchester United vs Brentford
Brentford are keeping United in their area. The hosts don't react to the dropping ball following a long-throw and then Carvalho drags his effort wide right!
Manchester United vs Brentford
Brentford keep fighting here and Frank has waved his players forward. Can they level late on?
Manchester United vs Brentford
United's stand-out star Garnacho comes off to a standing ovation. Noussair Mazraoui is on, fully recovered from recent surgery on his heart.
Manchester United vs Brentford
Rashford enterprise results in a corner on the right for United. Brentford clear, with Mbeumo desperate to break, yet he doesn't get far. In the next pahse, Yarmoliuk fires over, but the flag is up anyway on Wissa's run through the back line.
Manchester United vs Brentford
Substitution Jonathan Grant Evans Victor Jörgen Nilsson Lindelöf
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