Explore the highlights of Manchester United’s 2-1 win against Brentford, featuring standout performances from Garnacho and Højlund that captivated fans.
Introduction:
Manchester United proved its mettle with it capable of coming from behind to snatch the three points with a thrilling 2-1 victory against Brentford on Saturday at Old Trafford. Behind at halftime, ten Hag’s side showed tremendous effort as Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund scored a couple of important goals for the Red Devils to give them a badly needed win, but hard-fighting Brentford managed to open the scoring with Ethan Pinnock.
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First Half: Brentford Leads
Brentford’s aggressive high pressing and fast attack left Manchester United struggling to cope in the first half. Within five minutes, Kevin Schade had the ball knocked out from his feet by a deft backward flick, leaving him with only an inch of space in which to try his luck with a dangerous cross while Bryan Mbeumo pulled a shot wildly off target and over the bar. The game began to take on a higher tempo when United’s Matthijs de Ligt clashed heads with Schade in a deal-making reception, forcing play to be held up for extended periods while he was treated for a head injury.

Though slowly building up the pace, Manchester United crafted half chances through Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho, but it was Brentford who broke the deadlock with first-half stoppage time. With de Ligt attending to an injury, United had been for a few minutes with a man less on the field to let Brentford capitalize on Mikkel Damsgaard’s excellent corner spot kick that found Ethan Pinnock, unchallenged for a head to get them ahead. The aim, although pretty contentious due to the excessive stoppage time, was nevertheless greatly deserved by Brentford as the interval approached.
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United’s First Half
At three minutes it only took Manchester United’s challenge to turn into a response. Pinnock’s goal was marked by awkward distribution from the visitors. Brentford has a press, closing down passing lanes quickly and disrupting United’s attempts at building rhythm. Just sporadically was goalkeeper Andre Onana called into action; overall play by Brentford was energetic and relentless, pinning United back.
United had some lively passages of play for Garnacho whose pace and directness caused discomfort for the Brentford defense. However, Brentford goalie Mark Flekken was on his best as he foiled several attempts on goal. By half-time, a 1-0 score that did not flatter Brentford as they capitalized on United’s mis-organization and lack of cohesion.

Second Half: United ‘s Quick Response
Erik ten Hag’s half-time words seemed to stir his players into yet more purpose as they emerged for the second period. It didn’t take long for United to equalize. From the left, Marcus Rashford was a creative force to enter play. Sweeping in a diagonal cross, he found the ball reach Garnacho, who was left unmarked in the box. The young Argentinian met the ball sweetly on the volley and whacked it past Flekken to make it 1-1.
This equalizer restored United’s confidence and they began to dictate the game. Flekken kept himself very busy, as he produced an excellent save to deny Casemiro a shot at the goal on a long-range effort. The Brentford defense began to crack under United’s sustained pressure, and it wasn’t long before hosts were ahead on the scoreboard.

Højlund’s Winner Strike
A mere 62 minutes into the game, it was captain Bruno Fernandes who came to the party, flicking an audacious pass to step away with Rasmus Højlund, now in behind the defence, Flekken hurtling towards him as he utterly stranded over his head made light work of him. This was Højlund’s second goal of the season, but a very important one; this was where United really started to dominate the game.
Brentford struggled to claw their way back into the game, but United’s defense was solid. Diogo Dalot had United’s third opportunity by taking the ball forward from right-back, but Flekken was again quick off his line to cut out the opportunity. As the game entered its closing stages, United began to manage the game better themselves – with individuals such as Joshua Zirkzee and Garnacho literally working their socks off to keep possession and strangle the life out of Brentford.

Late Brentford Pressure Quashed
Pals at Wembley, however, United continued to enjoy most of possession as the clock ticked down. Late efforts to find an equalizer proved futile for Brentford as substitute Fabio Carvalho had a chance in stoppage time, but this tame effort dragged wide of the post to much relief for the United defence. The earlier sparkle had faded from the Brentford game, and they were unable to penetrate United’s well-organized back line.
Manchester United held on until the end to win an important 2-1 match, which pushed them higher up in the Premier League. The comeback showed how United can really come out flying and stand the pressure as, across the pitch, some outstanding plays were seen.

Conclusion
Manchester United in their victory 2-1 at Brentford over the weekend epitomized that quality of resilience. Ten Hag’s men reassembled and responded in emphatic style after going a goal down at the end of the first half. Alejandro Garnacho equalized and Rasmus Højlund’s winner would be the icing on the cake of what was an attacking display, but solid defending told that the result was never in question. United gathered momentum after Saturday’s win and will look to make full use of this come weeks ahead.