What did Manchester United say after Brentford’s win? Rashford hope, Garnacho joy, striker question

The Premier League game between Manchester United and Brentford ended 2-1, with United scoring twice after falling behind initially.

The Reds were behind in the last few minutes of the first half when Ethan Pinnock scored with a header. United were mad that Mathis De Ligt had to leave the field to treat a badly hurt head. After halftime, the home team got back on track with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, which won a very important three points.

Defender Erik ten Hag’s team played much better in the second half, and many United fans were happy with the game. Here are what readers of the Manchester Evening News thought about the game and our grades of the players.

FreddiePayne: The first half wasn’t great, but it was good enough. The only bad part was protecting their injury-time goal. I thought that was bad. Overall, a well-deserved win in the second half. Although Garnacho was probably our best player, Rashford had his best game in a long time and was very close to Garnacho’s. Unlike before, he worked really hard.

“Our defense was strong, especially in the second half.” Evans and Dalot were also good, as was De Ligt. Although not widely known, Martinez also played well, and his game was amazing. I think the midfield is still a problem, but Ten Hag might see an improvement if he puts more faith in Ugarte (and makes sure he’s fully fit). He probably wasn’t playing because he got hurt last week.

Hojlund and Zirkzee. That being said, I think Zirkzee does a better job of holding the ball and getting other players involved, but he doesn’t really look like a scorer; more like a playmaker. Watching him play as a 10 instead of a striker would be interesting. With Bruno out for Fernebache, it might be a chance to put Hojlund up front. Not going to hurt. In any case, three points is great. Unfortunately, it could make Ten Hag’s stay with us longer.

Tropical jungle According to Jerry, “the players did well today, especially in the second half.” They were more determined and wanted to play. More energy in the second half. Their places were covered, as well as spots where a teammate had moved while chasing the ball.

“Today, Casemiro and Eriksen played really well. Since a long time ago, they’ve never been better! Although Rashford and Fernandes switched places, they still played well. Rashford was also using good plays and crosses into the box, which helped Garnacho score. Garnacho was exceptional! That’s what United’s game had been missing—deep passes. He also deserved his goal!

“Has Højlund understood something? Excellent moves got him and the ball away from his defender, and that goal was so calm and cool. As the second half started, Dalot was a pest in attack and did a good job of defending. Control was with Evans and De Ligt, and Martinez did a good job at LB. Also, a good save from Onana. There is no way United will beat them in the top six if they keep playing like this until the end of the season. “Garnacho is my MOTM.”

panchopearson: “The second half was much better.” The front three played much better, and even though Rashford didn’t score, I thought it was one of his best games in a long time. The first goal came from a really good pass. Evans and De Ligt played well together. I’d like to see Amad play as the number 10 on Thursday, since Bruno is out.

Davids: “Erikson is playing well and helped set up both goals.” When he’s on, it makes a huge difference because he’s a great football player who can see chances that other players miss.

FrankM16: “Good job, guys!” The three up front are beginning to look like the real deal, and Rasmus and Marcus looked even better. People have been after DeLigt since he got there, but he proved today that he’s a fighter. We need Bruno to get back to his best and start scoring, along with a left back.