[MATCH HIGHLIGHT/REPORT] Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

 Man Utd 2-1 Brentford: Rasmus Hojlund Secures Victory as Erik ten Hag’s Side Fights Back...

• Manchester United came from behind to win 2-1 against Brentford, ending a five-match winless streak and moving them into the top half of the Premier League table.
• Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund delivered standout performances in the second half, with Garnacho equalizing and Hojlund scoring the winning goal, showcasing the team's resilience and attacking potential.
• Erik ten Hag expressed frustration over a controversial goal conceded while Matthijs de Ligt was receiving treatment, using the sense of injustice to motivate his team. In contrast, Brentford's Thomas Frank acknowledged a strong first half but criticized his team's passive second-half performance.

Manchester United 2-1 Brentford: Hojlund's Heroics Seal Comeback Victory

Manchester United came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford, ending their winless streak. The result lifts United into the top half of the Premier League table ahead of a midweek trip to Fenerbahce.

Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock put the visitors ahead with a header just before halftime, intensifying the pressure on United manager Erik ten Hag, whose team entered the match without a win in five games. Despite struggling to create opportunities in the first half, United rallied in the second half with impressive goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.

The first half saw Brentford dominate possession, utilizing their trademark combination of short passes and long throws. Bryan Mbeumo was particularly influential, and Pinnock's goal came under somewhat controversial circumstances while United's Matthijs de Ligt received treatment for a head injury. 

Ten Hag made three changes to the team that drew at Aston Villa, bringing in de Ligt and Casemiro for the injured Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, while Lisandro Martinez replaced Noussair Mazraoui. Brentford's manager Thomas Frank kept the same lineup that triumphed over Wolves 5-3, with Kevin Schade leading the attack supported by Mbeumo and Mikkel Damsgaard.

United's frustration was palpable, with Ten Hag receiving a yellow card for his protests. However, the team emerged for the second half with renewed vigour. Garnacho's equalizer came from a well-timed volley off a cross from Marcus Rashford, igniting a shift in momentum.

With confidence surging, Garnacho and Hojlund continued to pressure the Brentford defence. Hojlund's brilliant finish, flicked through by Bruno Fernandes, put United ahead and showcased the team's resilience. Brentford struggled to respond, unable to muster a comeback and ultimately falling to defeat, which saw them drop to 12th in the league.

At halftime, Manchester United had recorded the fewest goals in the Premier League, but the young forwards delivered an emphatic response. Garnacho was particularly impressive, consistently challenging the Brentford defence and earning the title of player of the match.

The two managers had differing views on the controversial build-up to Pinnock’s goal. Frank praised the referee's decision, saying, “I think it is good refereeing if I am honest.” In contrast, Ten Hag expressed his frustration, highlighting that de Ligt was not bleeding when he was taken off for treatment, calling it a “huge moment” that affected the game.

Ten Hag acknowledged that his team used the sense of injustice as motivation to perform at their best. "Every game you win is important. We felt some injustice and used it as fuel," he said. He emphasized the importance of building on this victory to regain confidence, stating, “This team can score very good goals.”

Brentford’s Thomas Frank reflected on his team’s performance, noting, “We definitely performed a good first half... but in the second half, Manchester United were clearly the better team.” He expressed disappointment at their passive approach after halftime, stating, “To concede a goal after two minutes disappoints me. We lacked the quality we had in the first half.”

Overall, United's comeback victory not only secures crucial points but also reignites hope for a more successful campaign ahead.

[HIGHLIGHT]

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