Man Utd duo silence their critics as Erik ten Hag's anger boils over in crucial Brentford win

Man Utd duo Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes silenced their critics in Saturday's win over Brentford

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 19/10/2024

- 17:00

The Red Devils came from behind to win 2-1 on Saturday

Manchester United eased some of the pressure on Erik ten Hag with a vital 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Red Devils went into the clash knowing another defeat would be a catastrophe given their poor form so far this season.


Brentford went ahead just before half time, with Ethan Pinnock heading the Bees in front.

But goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund in the second half gave United all three points. GB News now takes a look at four talking points from the showdown.

United duo silence their critics

Man Utd Brentford

Man Utd duo Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes silenced their critics in Saturday's win over Brentford

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United duo Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes have received plenty of criticism over the past year amid the Red Devils' patchy form.

But the pair were both involved in the final goal, one that has spared Ten Hag from yet more awkward questions.

Fernandes reminded everybody with his quality by producing a sensational assist, with Hojlund finishing delightfully to net for the second time this season.

If the pair can produce moments like this far more frequently, perhaps Ten Hag won't lose his job after all...

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Ten Hag left seething

Ten Hag was left enraged during the clash when Brentford scored after referee Sam Barrott ordered Matthijs de Ligt off the pitch.

The Netherlands international suffered a head wound early on and, just as the Bees prepared to take a corner, De Ligt was told to come off.

Pinnock then scored to put Brentford ahead and Ten Hag, on the touchline, couldn't contain his rage.

The United boss, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, both received yellow cards for their protests. Fortunately, due to the brilliance of Garnacho and Hojlund, the incident didn't prove costly in the end.

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United still have plenty of work to do

Ten Hag will be pleased with the win. United, after all, haven't had much to cheer about this season.

But this was another Jekyll and Hyde performance from the hosts, who were flat in the first half before looking drastically improved in the second.

Why can't United play like that all the time? That is what probably keeps Ten Hag up at night. They have the players to beat anyone in the world but rarely look consistent from one minute to the next.

This represents a step forward but they're still a long, long way off competing for the Premier League title.

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Same old story for Brentford

Man Utd Brentford

Man Utd star Rasmus Hojlund celebrates his goal against Brentford on Saturday

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Brentford boss Thomas Frank will no doubt be frustrated at his side failing to win a game in which they've taken the lead.

Three of their last four matches have seen them fail to hold on - which is something the Dane will no doubt be working hard to get to the bottom of.

Man Utd Brentford

Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho drew his side level in their crucial win over Brentford

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Brentford's performance was, particularly in the first half, impressive. They continue to post tough tests for some of the big guns in the top flight.

Yet they often struggle to see out matches and that's a big worry as they look to stay in the Premier League once again.

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