On October 19, Manchester United secured a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Brentford in the English Premier League at Old Trafford, which helped to alleviate some of the pressure on their under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils entered the game in 14th position with only eight points and just two victories from seven matches, marking their poorest start to a season since 1989-90.
Management Discussions Amid Ten Hag’s Future
Reports had indicated that there was a lengthy meeting earlier in the week involving the United leadership team, which includes co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive officer Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox, to discuss ten Hag’s future.
During the press conference on October 19, the Dutch manager accused some media of making up stories about him. He said they were spreading lies and creating unnecessary noise.
Early Setback as Brentford Scores First
However, his situation seemed uncertain once more when Brentford scored first in the fifth minute of stoppage time in the first half. Center-back Ethan Pinnock lost his defender Diogo Dalot and scored a powerful header from a corner by Mikkel Damsgaard, beating Andre Onana.
Protests and Controversy
Ten Hag and Matthijs de Ligt protested to the touchline officials after the defender was forced to leave the field due to a head injury. He had sustained the injury after colliding with Kevin Schade 10 minutes into the game, and blood was pouring from his head.
Ten Hag and his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy were subsequently cautioned for their objections.
Man United Struggles in the First Half
After everything had been said and done, it signified the seventh occasion that United had not scored in the first half out of eight Premier League matches this season.
Alejandro Garnacho had the best opportunities for the Red Devils in the initial period.
He made a good save near the post, but he missed two other chances. We expected more from the Argentinian winger after Marcus Rashford’s cross-field pass and some good play from Rasmus Hojlund.
Garnacho Sparks the Comeback
Garnacho, who is 20 years old, stayed optimistic and scored his second league goal of the season two minutes into the second half.
Rashford provided another outstanding pass for his teammate on the wing, this time sending a long cross to find Garnacho at the far post, where he skillfully volleyed the ball into the goal with his side foot.
Hojlund Seals the Win
The start of a second-half comeback from the Red Devils kept Flekken very occupied.
United’s second goal couldn’t be denied by him. On the 62nd minute, United captain Bruno Fernandes executed a clever round-the-corner flick to Hojlund, who skillfully chipped the ball over Flekken and into the goal.
The second goal was scored in three starts this season, following a hamstring injury in the preseason that caused him to miss the beginning of the campaign.
Man United Late Push for a Third Goal
United had the chance to make it 3-1 six minutes later, as Onana’s goal kick led to Dalot making a run towards the goal, but Flekken was able to stop him.
Relief at Old Trafford
The Red Devils ultimately didn’t require an additional goal cushion, securing their first victory in six matches.
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