England Marcus Rashford’s 28th goal of the season sealed a narrow 1-0 win against Brentford and lifted Manchester United back into the top four in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
The win was United’s first in the Premier League since a 3-1 Old Trafford victory against Leicester City in February, and it also avenged their 4-0 loss at Brentford in August. United moved three points clear of fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur, whom they face away from home on April 27 in the battle to finish fourth.
United dropped off after the break as Brentford bounced back from a subdued first-half display, but Thomas Frank’s team was unable to eke out an equalizer.
David De Gea spread himself to block substitute Kevin Schade’s effort as United gained a measure of revenge for the 4-0 loss to the Bees in August in Ten Hag’s second match in charge.
Ten Hag reacted to last month’s 7-0 loss at Liverpool by sticking with an unchanged side in the next game and he did similar this time around, making only one change from Newcastle.
It meant Wout Weghorst dropped to the bench for the first time since joining on loan in January, and United had to remain patient as the Bees’ five-man backline sat deep and frustrated.
A lack of movement and creativity meant the Red Devils offered little in response until showing flickers of life. Scott McTominay shot narrowly over after Antony caught Brentford off guard by cutting back with his weaker right foot.
The Brazil international was again involved as United opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Antony collected a cleared corner and lifted the ball back into the box, with Sabitzer smartly cushioning a header into the path of Rashford to fire home from six meters.
That lit up a drab game played in miserable conditions at Old Trafford, where Luke Shaw’s 250th United appearance lasted just 37 minutes before he was replaced by Tyrell Malacia because of an apparent injury.
Antony volleyed wide shortly after Shaw’s exit and had two further shots before the break, with Rashford having two himself as he attempted to extend United’s lead.
Brentford was surprisingly passive but De Gea nearly gave the visitors a way back in shortly after the break as Ivan Toney charged down his kick. The ball flew just wide.
Jadon Sancho and Antony had efforts before Sabitzer was denied as United again pushed for a second, but Brentford was growing in confidence.
Why you should back Manchester United
Despite their current struggles, the Red Devils have one of the top offensive players in the Premier League in Marcus Rashford. The 25-year-old forward ranks fourth in the EPL with 14 goals and needs three to match the career high he set three seasons ago. Rashford scored in five straight contests and nine of 10 before Manchester United’s three-game goalless drought.
Since dropping a 2-1 decision to Brighton & Hove Albion in their season opener, the Red Devils have been unbeatable at home, recording nine victories and three draws. They also have been stellar defensively at Old Trafford, posting seven clean sheets and allowing a total of eight goals in 13 matches – four of which were yielded over their first three outings. Dating back to last season, Manchester United have registered 14 wins and seven draws in their last 22 home games.
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United. Came to United’s rescue again with his 28th goal of the season to open the scoring in a difficult game. Where would United be without his goals?
David Raya, Brentford. The Brentford goalkeeper was solid and reliable and had no chance on Rashford’s goal. Rarely gets the credit his performances deserve.
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United. Not every pass found its intended target, but the United captain was his team’s creative force and helped the home side maintain control of the game.
David De Gea, Manchester United. The United goalkeeper’s poor distribution with his feet almost led to two Brentford goals. His passing is a clear weakness and a reason why Ten Hag may look elsewhere for a keeper.
Mathias Jensen, Brentford. The Brentford midfielder struggled to make a telling contribution and was substituted early in the second half.
Scott McTominay, Manchester United. Picked up his ninth booking of the season for a reckless challenge on Jensen. Needs to stay on his feet when tackling.
OVERVIEW
OnMyWay Is The #1 Distracted Driving Mobile App In The Nation!
OnMyWay, based in Charleston, SC, The Only Mobile App That Pays its Users Not to Text and Drive.
The #1 cause of death among young adults ages 16-27 is Car Accidents, with the majority related to Distracted Driving.
OnMyWay’s mission is to reverse this epidemic through positive rewards. Users get paid for every mile they do not text and drive and can refer their friends to get compensated for them as well.
The money earned can then be used for Cash Cards, Gift Cards, Travel Deals and Much, Much More….
The company also makes it a point to let users know that OnMyWay does NOT sell users data and only tracks them for purposes of providing a better experience while using the app.
The OnMyWay app is free to download and is currently available on both the App Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android @ OnMyWay; Drive Safe, Get Paid.
Download App Now – https://r.onmyway.com
Sponsors and advertisers can contact the company directly through their website @ www.onmyway.com