Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho got on the scoresheet in a refreshing attacking display from Manchester United in the second half against Brentford at Old Trafford.
The hosts, having gone behind to a frustrating goal by Ethan Pinnock at the very end of the first half, reacted superbly to the setback when Garnacho smashed in Marcus Rashford's delightful cross off the right to level the score just minutes into the second half.
Rasmus Hojlund got off the mark in the Premier League this season with a delightful dink over Mark Flekken to put United ahead, with help from an equally excellent flick from Bruno Fernandes.
United find their shooting boots
It's been a common occurrence this season that United's attack fail to deliver goals in the league this season. At the end of the first half, they sat bottom of the league for goals scored, with just 5.
However today's goals showed the contrary - Garnacho's volley had wonderful technique littered all over it, and Hojlund's chip was something to be replayed again and again. Hojlund has proven already to be an excellent sharpshooter, with a fantastic 18 goals from 13.17xG - and looks set to continue this season.
Garnacho may feel he could have had more today, with many opportunities to run at Brentford's defence and shoot, but he will certainly be happy with his goal.
De Ligt rages at Brentford goal
The situation leading to Brentford's goal caused a lot of upset from De Ligt, Ten Hag and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, as De Ligt was forced off by the referee to sort out his head injury, sustained in a collision earlier on. United's medical staff didn't do enough to stop the blood on his face, and the referee asked De Ligt to leave the field before the corner. Without their main aerial defender, United failed to handle Pinnock's dart to the front post and Brentford ended up ahead. Ten Hag and Van Nistelrooy were booked after this, both feeling that De Ligt should have stayed on for the corner, but questions may be asked of the medical staff for not sorting out the bleeding earlier.
Rashford and fellow seniors lead by example
Someone who deserves a lot of plaudits for his game was Marcus Rashford. United's number 10, playing in a slightly different position on the right, thrived as a creative force, producing a lovely cross for Garnacho's equaliser, as well as causing problems all day. Rashford's workrate must be commended too, with the Englishman working tirelessly to recover the ball.
A lot of questions have been asked of United's senior players, but in the second half against Brentford, the intensity shown by the seniors set the tone. The aggression and desire to win the ball back really made the difference and forced Brentford further back as the game progressed. Ten Hag will hope that this intensity is maintained for a full 90 minutes, however, as the level in the first half was not good enough, with Brentford playing through the press easily.
What next?
United travel to Turkey to play Fenerbahce on Thursday evening, reuniting with former manager José Mourinho in the Europa League. With two draws in two games, a win is certainly needed for the Red Devils.
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