Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hailed his team’s resilience following their 2-1 comeback win against Brentford, emphasizing that the performance was proof of the squad’s unity amid recent struggles. Heading into the match, United sat in 14th place in the Premier League, a position that had intensified scrutiny on both the players and the manager. However, the response on the pitch reflected a determination to fight back against adversity.
Before the match, Ten Hag had expressed frustration with what he termed “fairytales and lies” surrounding rumors about his job security. Although these tensions loomed in the background, Ten Hag insisted that his focus was solely on performance. After the game, he downplayed personal concerns, attributing the comeback to the squad’s collective desire to respond to the mounting pressure.
United’s task was made more difficult just before halftime when a contentious refereeing decision saw defender Matthijs de Ligt briefly leave the field to receive medical treatment for a head injury. With the team temporarily down to ten men, Brentford capitalized almost immediately, scoring from a corner. Ten Hag later expressed frustration over the decision, questioning the timing and fairness of the incident.
Despite these frustrations, the mood shifted after the break. United found their rhythm early in the second half, responding with two well-crafted goals. Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring with a stunning first-time effort, while Rasmus Højlund completed the comeback with a delicate chip following a brilliant flicked pass from Bruno Fernandes.
The victory, coming after five consecutive matches without a win across all competitions, was vital for United’s morale. Ten Hag acknowledged that the performance was far from perfect but emphasized the importance of the result in restoring confidence. He remarked on the spirit shown by the players, stating, “In the second half, we showed we are together. We showed determination and scored two beautiful goals.”
A Mixed Afternoon for United Amidst Lingering Pressure
Although the win was a welcome relief, Ten Hag was quick to remind everyone that the pressure on Manchester United remains ever-present. With only three league victories so far this season, there is still considerable work to be done to steer the club back on track. The United manager avoided framing the victory as a turning point, saying, “It is just a win. The pressure is always there. We have to win every game.”
The need for consistency in front of goal has been one of the team’s key concerns. Before kickoff, Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo had scored more goals this season on his own than the entire Manchester United squad. While Garnacho’s goal ensured that statistic no longer held true, Ten Hag acknowledged that his side could have done more to extend their lead.
Reflecting on the challenge, the manager insisted that his players have the ability to score more frequently. “This team has the capacity to score very good goals,” he said. “Today the two goals we scored were high quality, and when you score and win, you add confidence.” However, he admitted that the team needs to build on this performance to avoid slipping back into bad habits. “At the start of the season, we had good performances but didn’t score enough, and then everyone becomes negative. This result can help us, but it is only one win and we must build on it.”
Contentious Calls Spark Debate
One of the more controversial moments in the match involved Matthijs de Ligt, whose removal for treatment proved pivotal. The Dutch defender initially sustained a head injury in a collision with Brentford’s Kevin Schade, leaving him with a bleeding wound. After receiving treatment, he returned to the field, but the wound opened again later in the first half, forcing him to leave the pitch a second time.
Referee Sam Barrott’s decision to send De Ligt to the sidelines just as Brentford were preparing to take a corner left Ten Hag and his coaching staff fuming. With United reduced to ten men, Brentford exploited the numerical advantage, with Ethan Pinnock heading in from close range. United’s assistant manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, voiced his frustrations to the fourth official, followed closely by Ten Hag. Both were shown yellow cards for their protests.
Ten Hag expressed disbelief over the incident. “It was dry blood. He had already been treated for the injury. I didn’t understand why he was sent off and I didn’t know why,” he said. “It was a huge moment because Brentford are very good at corners, and we were without one of our best headers. Definitely, we were angry at half-time.”
Brentford manager Thomas Frank defended the referee’s decision, insisting that it was the correct call given the circumstances. “If Manchester United had a corner and we took out Nathan Collins because he was bleeding, they would want to take it,” he remarked. While Ten Hag disagreed, he conceded that the team’s response after the incident was the most important takeaway.
A Step in the Right Direction but Challenges Remain
The victory against Brentford offers a glimpse of hope for Manchester United, but it is clear that one result will not dispel the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the club. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, including a Europa League clash against Fenerbahçe, there is little time to celebrate.
The match also highlighted the need for United to be more clinical in front of goal. Although they created several chances in the second half, the team could not extend their lead beyond 2-1. This lack of ruthlessness has been a recurring issue throughout the season, and it remains a concern for Ten Hag as he seeks greater consistency from his players.
Garnacho’s performance provided a bright spark, with the young forward showing composure and creativity in key moments. Having now scored multiple goals in the league, Garnacho is beginning to establish himself as an important contributor. However, Ten Hag emphasized the need for others to step up as well. “Publicly, I have to back my players,” the manager said. “But the evidence shows that we still need to improve and be more consistent.”
The game also marked another step in the development of Rasmus Højlund, who continues to adapt to life at Old Trafford. His winning goal demonstrated his growing confidence and ability to link up with teammates, but Ten Hag will be hoping for even more from the young striker as the season progresses.
Building Momentum for the Road Ahead
For Ten Hag and his squad, the challenge now is to build on the Brentford victory and avoid slipping back into poor form. The manager is under no illusions about the road ahead, knowing that one win does not erase the struggles of the past few weeks. However, he believes that the performance offers a foundation to build on, particularly given the quality of the goals scored.
“We know what is required at this level,” Ten Hag remarked. “It’s about consistency, hard work, and belief. Today was just one step, but it’s a step in the right direction.” The manager will be hoping that the team can use this result as a springboard for improved performances in the coming weeks, starting with their next challenge in the Europa League.
As Manchester United seek to regain their footing in the Premier League and in Europe, the pressure on both Ten Hag and his players will remain intense. However, if the team can replicate the spirit and determination shown against Brentford, there is reason to believe that better days lie ahead.
