Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag makes 'anger' admission after tunnel rant in Brentford win
Manchester United picked up a vital three points against Brentford at Old Trafford, coming from behind thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund
by Tom Victor · The MirrorAfter a difficult run of games, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ended Saturday afternoon celebrating a morale-boosting comeback win at home to Brentford.
It was the second season in a row in which Ten Hag's team trailed at half-time to Thomas Frank's men before turning the game on its head. The now-departed Scott McTominay was the hero last season, but this time it was Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund who did the business.
Before Garnacho's leveller, United had gone more than 300 Premier League minutes without finding the net. Now, though, they may well go into Thursday's Europa League game against Fenerbahce feeling a little more confident.
It wasn't the most convincing win against an under-par Brentford, but at this stage the results can sometimes be more important than the performances. The fallout from United's comeback is the main story as Mirror Football brings you the latest from around Old Trafford.
Ten Hag opens up on anger
Erik ten Hag claimed anger at Brentford's opening goal helped motivate his team to come from behind on Saturday afternoon. Ethan Pinnock headed Brentford in front moments before half-time, but United were left frustrated that Matthijs de Ligt - who was bleeding following a head injury - was not allowed on the pitch to defend the corner from which Pinnock scored.
“We were very angry at half-time because we were controlling the game," Ten Hag said. "I can’t understand why Matthijs was sent off (for treatment). It was dry blood so he was already treated for the injury. It was a huge moment because Brentford are very good at corners and we were missing one of our best headers.
“But you saw the togetherness, the fighting spirt - and we added some determination to score goals. The statistics show we play good football but don’t score enough. Today we scored two brilliant goals. They were high quality.”
Fans pick sides in Ferguson controversy
Sir Alex Ferguson wasn't at Old Trafford for Saturday's win, choosing instead to watch another of his former clubs, Aberdeen, take on Celtic. Earlier in the week, it emerged that the former United manager's ambassadorial contract will be brought to an end.
Can Manchester United turn things around after beating Brentford? Have your say in the comments section
Early in Saturday's game, sections of the home crowd were heard backing the Scot. A chant of "Every single one of us, loves Alex Ferguson" rang out when the game was goalless.
The Brentford match was United's first since reports emerged that Ferguson was banned from the dressing room at Old Trafford. United's next two matches are away from home, but it remains to be seen whether the 82-year-old returns for the home Carabao Cup game against Leicester at the end of the month.
Fletcher 'blasted' officials in rant
Manchestwr United coach Darren Fletcher took aim at the officials during the half-time break on Saturday, it has been claimed. The former midfielder vented his anger at fourth official Gavin Ward, according to the Manchester Evening News, as did manager Ten Hag and assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The frustration appeared to surround Matthijs de Ligt being forced off for treatment moments before the opening goal. Ultimately that didn't end up inpacting the final score, though, with United mounting a second half comeback.
United's win was also notable for Fletcher's son Jack making the matchday squad. The 17-year-old midfielder earned a spot on the bench after catching the eye of Ten Hag in the EFL Trophy in August, but wasn't brought off the bench on this occasion.
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