In a thrilling Premier League encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United mounted a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Brentford 2-1, a result sparked by a controversial incident just before halftime. According to manager Erik ten Hag, United’s fury over the circumstances surrounding Brentford’s opener fueled their determined response.
Matthijs de Ligt Controversy Ignites United’s Ire
The flashpoint occurred in the dying moments of the first half when Brentford scored from a corner kick while United defender Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch receiving treatment for a head injury. Despite the Dutch international sporting a bandaged head, he was ordered off for a third time due to what was deemed “dry blood” by the officials.
Ten Hag expressed his bewilderment at the decision, stating, “It was dry blood so he was already treated for the injury. I didn’t understand why he was sent off. I went over to Matthijs and he said ‘it is dry blood and I have to come off, I don’t know why.’ It was a huge moment because Brentford are very good at corners and you miss one of your best headers.”
Anger Fuels United’s Revival
The perceived injustice surrounding Brentford’s goal left United seething at the break. According to sources close to the dressing room, Ten Hag harnessed this anger to inspire a remarkable turnaround. The Dutch tactician revealed, “Definitely, we were angry at halftime. You see the togetherness, the fighting spirit and we add some determination to score goals.”
Garnacho and Højlund Shine in Comeback
United’s renewed vigor bore fruit in the second half as Alejandro Garnacho and summer signing Rasmus Højlund struck to complete the comeback. Ten Hag praised the duo’s impact, “The stats show we play good football [this season] and don’t score enough but today we scored two brilliant goals.”
The hard-fought victory eases the pressure on Ten Hag after a five-match winless run saw United slip to 14th in the table. The Red Devils now sit just three points adrift of the top six ahead of a tricky Europa League trip to face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
“Pressure is always there,” Ten Hag admitted. “We have to win every game and when you are 1-0 down, you have to see how we turned it around. We felt some injustice and used it as fuel. I really enjoyed the performance.”
As the dust settles on a dramatic encounter, Manchester United will hope this comeback victory serves as a catalyst for a resurgence in form. With Garnacho and Højlund finding their scoring boots, Ten Hag’s men appear poised to climb the Premier League table and make their mark in Europe.
