The young attacking talents lifted the Red Devils to a much-needed victory after a farcical end to the first half at Old Trafford
Erik ten Hag desperately needed a win after clinging on to his job during the international break and he finally got one with the help of some sharp shooting from Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, who fired Manchester United to a comeback win over Brentford.
Garnacho's volley early in the second half cancelled out Ethan Pinnock's header in the fifth minute of added time in the first, a goal fiercely contested by United's coaching staff as it came while Matthijs de Ligt was receiving treatment.
Hojlund gave United the lead with a lovely dinked finish and United just about saw the game out to earn a third victory in eight Premier League games. Could this be the start of a great revival that will vindicate INEOS' decision to keep faith in Ten Hag? If Garnacho and Hojlund keep this form up, then it just might be.
GOAL rates Man United's players from Old Trafford…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Rarely tested, tipping away a Christian Norgaard shot in the first half.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Carelessly lost track of Pinnock from the corner. Otherwise more comfortable back at right-back.
Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):
Should really have come off after taking a nasty bang to the head. Looked uncomfortable whenever he got in a foot race.
Jonny Evans (7/10):
Another vintage defensive performance, showing his experience and making up for slips by De Ligt and Martinez.
Lisandro Martinez (5/10):
Hit and miss as an emergency left-back. Struggled against Bryan Mbuemo but then improved and played his part in the comeback.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Christian Eriksen (6/10):
Continuing his unexpected resurgence. Helped set up the winner and his slick passing ensured United controlled the game.
Casemiro (6/10):
A very competent performance, making brave tackles and blocks to ensure United were rarely overrun in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Was well contained by Brentford for most of the game but his deft touch played Hojlund in.
AFPAttack
Alejandro Garnacho (8/10):
Always the dangerman, even when he missed good chances in the first half. Kept his head up and scored a fine volley.
Rasmus Hojlund (7/10):
His build-up play was excellent throughout and after a couple of misses rediscovered his goalscoring touch.
Marcus Rashford (6/10):
Played some good passes to Garnacho, including the cross for the equaliser. Let down by his own finishing in the area.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Joshua Zirkzee (4/10):
Missed a clear chance by taking a dreadful touch.
Manuel Ugarte (N/A):
Brought on in the 88th minute and lost the ball almost immediately.
Victor Lindelof (N/A):
Introduced for Evans late on.
Noussair Mazraoui (N/A):
Came on in injury time after recovering from minor heart surgery.
Erik ten Hag (5/10):
Lives to fight another day but this was hardly a convincing win and his decision to keep De Ligt on for the whole game was baffling.