Manchester United came back from a halftime deficit to beat Brentford with a controlling second half and a 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Red Devils went behind on an Ethan Pinnock header deep in first-half stoppage time but restored order through Alejandro Garnacho right after the break and won through Rasmus Hojlund’s 62nd-minute winner.
[ MORE: Erik ten Hag reacts to comeback win ]
The win is United’s first in the Premier League since a September 14 win at Southampton and improves the Red Devils stock to 11 points, good for 10th place behind Fulham on goal differential.
Brentford lose for the fourth time this season, and slip behind Manchester United on the table with 10 points.
Casemiro leads way, Red Devils catch fire second half
Erik ten Hag’s men will have felt unlucky to enter halftime down a goal, having out-attempted the Bees 10-6, but the deficit could still have infected a goal-starved club nowhere near its best form. Alejandro Garnacho’s goal very early in the second half served a perfect harbinger of what was to come, as the Red Devils piped eight of their 13 second-half shot attempts on target and did not let either of Brentford’s two efforts reach Andre Onana. Anything but three points would’ve felt an injustice to the hosts, who had no passengers and got fantastic displays out of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford, and Hojlund. Casemiro’s performance will provide a special bit of hope, as he piled up 13 defensive actions, won 11-of-16 duels, and was credited with four created chances. It’s something to build on, for sure, but United’s had that before and will need to prove they are capable of consistency.
Manchester United vs Brentford player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Manchester United vs Brentford player ratings (from fotmob.com)
Manchester United vs Brentford player ratings (from fotmob.com)
What’s next?
Manchester United have Europa League action on Thursday away to old pal Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, then return from Turkiye to visit West Ham at 10am ET Sunday, October 27.
Brentford host Ipswich Town at 10am ET Saturday.
How to watch Manchester United vs Brentford live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10 am ET Saturday (October 19)
Venue: Old Trafford
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock
Manchester United vs Brentford updates — By Nick Mendola
Manchester United vs Brentford final score: 2-1
Ethan Pinnock 45'+5, Alejandro Garnacho 47', Rasmus Hojlund 62'
Rasmus Hojlund goal! Manchester United 2-1 Brentford (62nd minute)
Alejandro Garnacho goal! Manchester United 1-1 Brentford (47th minute)
Ethan Pinnock goal! Manchester United 0-1 Brentford (45'+5)
Manchester United focus, team news
OUT: Tyrell Malacia (knee), Leny Yoro (foot), Harry Maguire (calf), Noussair Mazraoui (illness), Kobbie Mainoo (other) | QUESTIONABLE: Mason Mount (head), Luke Shaw (calf), Alejandro Garnacho (knee), Amad Diallo (illness), Manuel Ugarte (muscular)
Brentford focus, team news
OUT: Josh Dasilva (knee), Rico Henry (knee), Aaron Hickey (thigh), Igor Thiago (knee), Gustavo Nunes (lower back) | QUESTIONABLE: Mathias Jensen (calf), Mikkel Damsgaard (knock), Yoane Wissa (ankle)
Manchester United vs Brentford prediction
If Brentford can score early again, the scene inside Old Trafford will be an unpleasant one for Ten Hag. It cannot be stated enough: This is truly a nightmare matchup given the current state of affairs. Manchester United 2-2 Brentford.
