Manchester United eased the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag by coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Ten Hag had strongly dismissed rumors about his job security the day before, calling them “fairy tales and lies,” and insisted he wasn’t at risk of being fired. However, the 54-year-old is thought to be fighting for his job after overseeing United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-90. The Brentford goal came in first-half stoppage time, as Ethan Pinnock scored with a strong header from a corner, triggering a frustrated reaction from Ten Hag, who was booked for protesting Matthijs de Ligt’s temporary absence due to a head injury.
It seemed Ten Hag’s position was precarious, but United responded in the second half. Alejandro Garnacho sparked the comeback in the 47th minute, volleying in Marcus Rashford’s pass. Rasmus Hojlund then netted the winning goal in the 62nd minute, finishing coolly after receiving a clever flick from Bruno Fernandes.
This victory, United’s first in six matches across all competitions, was their third Premier League win in eight games this season. The team currently sits 10th in the standings, ahead of an important week featuring a Europa League match against Fenerbahce and a trip to West Ham.
