Manchester United secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday, coming from behind to break their recent winless streak. Despite the comeback, United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, remains realistic, acknowledging that the win does little to ease the pressure on his side after a challenging start to the season.
The Red Devils, who were trailing at halftime due to Ethan Pinnock’s controversial header, turned the tide with two second-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund. The spirited performance helped Manchester United climb past Brentford in the Premier League standings, earning them a much-needed three points. However, Ten Hag emphasized that the win is just the beginning, and the team must build on this performance to regain their form and confidence.
Manchester United’s Spirited Comeback Against Brentford
The match against Brentford was critical for Manchester United, who had been struggling to find their rhythm this season. Brentford took an early lead through a disputed goal by Ethan Pinnock, leaving United trailing at halftime. Pinnock’s header came after Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt had to receive treatment for an injury, which disrupted United’s defense. Brentford capitalized on this opportunity, and it appeared that United might once again fail to deliver a positive result.
However, the second half saw a renewed Manchester United side, spurred on by Ten Hag’s halftime talk. Alejandro Garnacho’s equalizer and a well-executed goal by Rasmus Hojlund shifted the momentum in favor of the home team, ultimately securing their third Premier League win of the season. United fans at Old Trafford finally had something to cheer about as they witnessed a gritty comeback that demonstrated resilience and determination.
Despite the victory, Ten Hag was quick to downplay any notion that the pressure has been alleviated. “The pressure is always there, we have to win every game,” he remarked after the match. The Dutch coach has faced mounting criticism after United’s shaky start to the season, and while this win brings temporary relief, he is aware that the expectations remain high.
Ten Hag’s Assessment: No Room for Complacency
Erik ten Hag’s post-match interview made it clear that while he was pleased with the comeback, he is not getting carried away. The manager has been under scrutiny as Manchester United’s performances have been inconsistent, and the win against Brentford, although uplifting, is just a small step in the right direction.
“We felt some injustice and we used this as fuel for the second half,” Ten Hag explained, reflecting on how the team rallied after the first half. “I really enjoyed today, the performance in the first half but especially the second half. Today we had some determination to score goals, and this is what I think we need.”
The manager highlighted that the team’s approach in the second half showed a level of determination that has been missing in recent games. He stressed the importance of clinical finishing, which had been a concern earlier in the season. “We started showing we play good football, we were playing in the right spots, we do not score enough and we are not clinical enough but today we scored two brilliant goals so we are pleased with it,” Ten Hag said.
Building Confidence Through Quality Goals
The two goals scored by Manchester United against Brentford were not just important for the scoreboard; they were symbols of what the team is capable of achieving. Garnacho’s equalizer was a moment of brilliance, and Hojlund’s winning goal was a testament to the side’s growing composure in front of goal. Ten Hag acknowledged that scoring high-quality goals is essential to building belief and confidence within the squad.
“When you score and you win you add some belief and some confidence, that is what we needed because at the start of the season, we had some good performances. We created enough chances but we did not score enough and then you don’t win games and everyone is negative and disappointed,” he admitted. The manager emphasized that while the win against Brentford is a positive sign, it is still only one match, and the team must continue to progress and improve. “It can help us, but it is only one win, and we have to build on this.”
Marcus Rashford’s Key Role and Ten Hag’s Praise
One of the standout performers in the match was Marcus Rashford, who played a pivotal role in the comeback. It was Rashford’s precise assist that set up Garnacho for the equalizer, and Ten Hag did not hold back in his praise for the England international. Rashford’s form has been inconsistent this season, but the manager believes that with the right attitude, he can be a crucial player for United’s aspirations.
“I think we all know he is capable of a lot,” Ten Hag said about Rashford’s performance. “When he has this attitude, he will score, as he did for instance in Porto. He can also get assists like he did in Porto and like he did today, but it starts always with fighting spirit and 100% intensity.”
Ten Hag’s focus is not just on Rashford but on the entire team’s collective effort. He emphasized that success will come from everyone contributing with the same level of intensity and commitment on the pitch. “When we bring that, not only Marcus, do not focus too much on Marcus, but when we bring all this on the pitch, I think we have a team that can progress. We can progress and be a good team who can play for trophies in this season,” Ten Hag added.
What Lies Ahead for Manchester United?
The win against Brentford was an important step for Manchester United, but the path ahead remains challenging. The team’s struggles early in the season have raised questions about their ability to compete for top honors, and Ten Hag knows that one win is not enough to silence the critics. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for United, as they need to build momentum and climb the Premier League table.
The injury concerns have also been a recurring theme for Ten Hag, who has had to adapt to the absence of key players. While the return of some players will certainly boost the squad’s depth, the manager will have to make strategic adjustments to ensure the team remains competitive throughout the season. It is a long journey, and the pressure will continue to be a constant companion for Ten Hag as he navigates the ups and downs of the campaign.
Conclusion: Pressure Persists, But Ten Hag Remains Focused
Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United has been marked by high expectations and the ever-present pressure to deliver results. The comeback victory against Brentford was a welcome relief, but as Ten Hag himself stated, it does little to diminish the weight of expectation that surrounds the club. The Dutch manager remains focused on building a winning team, one that can play attractive football and compete for trophies.
The key to United’s success will be maintaining consistency and converting chances into goals, something that Ten Hag has emphasized repeatedly. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if the team can build on this win and rediscover the form that fans at Old Trafford have been longing for. For now, the focus remains on taking one game at a time, with the hope that this hard-fought victory can serve as a catalyst for a brighter future.
Ultimately, Erik ten Hag understands that the journey to success is not without its obstacles, but he remains committed to leading Manchester United forward. Whether this win marks a turning point in their season or merely a temporary respite from the criticism, one thing is certain—the pressure is still there, and the only way to overcome it is through sustained success on the pitch.
