Manchester United eased pressure on Erik Ten Hag with a well fought second half win
Manchester United showed their resilience with a brilliant second-half performance, overturning a first-half deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Brentford.
Here’s how each player fared in this crucial win:
Manchester United Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
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GK: Andre Onana - 6/10
Onana had a quiet afternoon aside from picking the ball out of the net after Brentford's opener. His distribution was solid, demonstrating good passing vision, but he’ll want to tighten up on his positioning for set pieces.
RB: Diogo Dalot - 7/10
Dalot defended well and was solid on his flank. However, he struggled to prevent Pinnock’s header for the opener. After the break, he was given more freedom to attack and looked more dynamic.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt - 7/10
De Ligt showed great composure in possession despite taking a heavy knock to the head. His determination was evident after the break, and he played with renewed fire, contributing to United's improved defensive efforts.
CB: Jonny Evans - 6/10
Evans provided some veteran experience, making crucial interceptions. However, he was occasionally caught out by Brentford’s pace, highlighting the need for sharper reactions in tight situations.
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LB: Lisandro Martinez - 7/10
Martinez had a gritty outing, consistently battling with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. His physical play was instrumental in keeping Mbeumo quiet and he contributed effectively to the overall defensive stability.
DM: Casemiro - 7/10
Casemiro struggled initially against Brentford’s high press but improved significantly in the second half. His ability to break up play became essential as United took control of the match.
DM: Christian Eriksen - 7/10
Eriksen kept the play simple in the first half but was more influential as the game progressed. His passing became sharper, and he provided a crucial assist with a clever flick for Hojlund’s winner.
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RM: Marcus Rashford - 7/10
Rashford was relatively quiet in the first half but came alive after the break, providing a delightful cross for Garnacho's equalizer. His pace and skill were critical in United's attacking resurgence.
AM: Bruno Fernandes - 6/10
Fernandes struggled to make a significant impact and fell short of expectations. However, he showed his class with a brilliant flick to assist Hojlund's goal, which reignited his influence on the game.
LM: Alejandro Garnacho - 8/10
Garnacho was the standout player for United, consistently threatening Brentford’s defense. His equalizing goal was a display of his skill and composure, making him a constant danger throughout the match.
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ST: Rasmus Hojlund - 7/10
Hojlund worked hard up front, and his intelligent movement opened up space for others. He capped off a strong performance with a well-taken goal, showcasing his finishing ability.
SUB: Joshua Zirkzee (74' for Hojlund) - 6/10
Zirkzee had limited time to make an impact but contributed with some energetic pressing as United looked to maintain their lead.
SUB: Manuel Ugarte (88' for Casemiro) - N/A
Ugarte had minimal time to influence the game.
SUB: Victor Lindelof (88' for Evans) - N/A
Lindelof also came on late, providing fresh legs to help see out the victory.
SUB: Noussair Mazraoui (90' for Garnacho) - N/A
Mazraoui's late introduction was primarily defensive, and he saw out the match without any notable incidents.
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Manager
Erik ten Hag - 8/10
Ten Hag's tactical adjustments at half-time were pivotal in transforming United's performance. His ability to inspire the team and orchestrate a comeback earns him high praise, especially for the impressive second-half display.
The tactical shift and standout performances will give the team confidence moving forward.