Manchester United secured their first win in six games this afternoon, battling from a goal down to beat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford. Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund‘s second-half goals were enough for three points as Erik ten Hag‘s side recovered from the visitors’ controversial opener.
Ethan Pinnock headed the Bees ahead from a corner on the brink of half-time while Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch receiving treatment for a head injury for a third time.
But the hosts’ recovery sees them move into the top half of the Premier League table, temporarily easing the pressure on Ten Hag.
Express Sport runs through the player ratings throughout the United team.
Man Utd player ratings vs Brentford
Andre Onana – 6
Denied his fifth league clean sheet of the season. Almost provided an assist for Diogo Dalot in the second half.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Pinnock evaded his marking before heading past Onana far too easily. Energetic going forward but has to improve defensively.
Matthijs de Ligt – 8
A warrior’s performance. De Ligt looked set to be forced off with a bloody head injury early on, but the Dutchman battled through multiple stages of treatment and performed valiantly.
Jonny Evans – 7
Another 89 minutes in the can for the 36-year-old. Didn’t put a foot wrong.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Looked uncomfortable out of position at left-back early on but grew into the game.
Casemiro – 8
Casemiro’s best performance in a United shirt for quite some time. Created the most chances, won the most tackles, drew the most fouls and won the most duels among players on the pitch.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Created four chances against his former side and helped things tick in midfield. Skied an absolute sitter from eight yards out in the first half.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Ten Hag’s decision to start Marcus Rashford on the right paid off. Produced a sensational cross for Garnacho’s leveller.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Bruno Fernandes looked more like his best self against Brentford. United have missed his touches of class like the cheeky flick to set up Hojlund’s winner.
Alejandro Garnacho – 8
Emphatic volley from Rashford’s cross to set United on course for victory. Was the hosts most threatening attacking outlet.
Rasmus Hojlund – 8
Among Rasmus Hojlund‘s best United performances. So many delightful moments of link-up play and dragging Brentford defenders wide. He was a handful and deserved his latest goal.
Substitutes
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Only completed 56 per cent of nine attempted passes. Also fumbled a good opening to score. Still doesn’t quite look up to speed.
Manuel Ugarte – N/A
A late introduction.
Victor Lindelof – N/A
A late introduction.
Noussair Mazraoui – N/A
A late introduction. Good to see him on the pitch so soon after a corrective procedure on his heart.
