Manchester United beat Brentford 2-1 to claim first win in four matches

Manchester United ended their winless Premier League run with a 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund secured three crucial points, easing pressure on Erik ten Hag after a challenging start to the season.

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United finally returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford on October 19. Ten Hag, under significant pressure following a five-match winless run in the league, will be relieved after Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus H¸jlund secured three crucial points in a come-from-behind win at Old Trafford.

United's season has been anything but smooth, despite significant investment in the summer transfer window. The team has struggled to find consistency, and those struggles were evident even in this match. Despite holding the attacking advantage for much of the first half, United's defensive weaknesses resurfaced at a critical moment. In added time before the break, poor marking on a Brentford corner allowed Ethan Pinnock to head home, putting the visitors ahead and leaving United reeling at the interval.

However, United responded quickly in the second half. Within two minutes of the restart, Alejandro Garnacho leveled the score with a well-timed volley off a pinpoint Marcus Rashford cross, offering a much-needed lifeline. The breakthrough goal reignited United’s belief and energised their play.

The match-winner came in the 70th minute when Danish forward Rasmus H¸jlund ended his goal drought in style. A slick flick from Bruno Fernandes set H¸jlund up to chip the ball past the Brentford goalkeeper, securing a vital victory and silencing the growing concerns surrounding United’s form.

Drawbacks for Ten Hag to address

While the win provided much-needed relief, there were still issues for Erik ten Hag to address. United showed renewed attacking intent, but their failure to convert clear chances remains a concern. The team often lacked enough players in advanced positions, forcing Christian Eriksen, usually a deep-lying playmaker, to act as a forward in several attacking moves.

Additionally, Joshua Zirkzee’s performance highlighted some finishing problems. The Dutch forward demonstrated his ability to get into dangerous positions but struggled with his final touch, something United must address, especially with key fixtures on the horizon.

United will need to improve quickly, as they face their former manager José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe in the Europa League on October 25. Despite lingering concerns, Erik ten Hag can breathe easier, knowing his team finally secured a vital league win.