Manchester United won their catch-up game and remain within reach of the Champions League places. At Brentford, the Red Devils were ice cold after the restart.
After the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick could again rely on Cristiano Ronaldo, who started as well as McTominay. Matic was on the bench and Cavani was not in the squad.
De Gea makes several saves
Despite CR7’s return, the Red Devils struggled in the first half against promoted Brentford, with little to show for their early success. Only Elanga caused danger in the Bees’ penalty area (9th). Instead of being dangerous themselves, the English record champions were mainly challenged in defence. The in-form keeper de Gea proved to be a strong backstop: The Spaniard saved twice with a foot save against Jensen (13th and 32nd).
Rangnick’s team had more possession overall, but was countered time and again and was lucky on several occasions, for example in minute 14. Alex Telles made a rather fortuitous save from Bech Sörensen in front of the line.
ManUnited efficient in half two – homegrowns score
Anything but luck was then needed by ManUnited in the second half. The Red Devils got a better grip on the action and took the lead after CR7 had hit the bar (47th): 19-year-old Elanga laid the ball on himself and headed in the 1:0 (55th). Instead of being dangerously counter-attacked themselves, the visitors went up a little later after a fast counter-attack – Greenwood (20) only had to push in after an introduction by CR7 and a cross from Bruno Fernandes (62.).
Brentford hardly took place in the offensive from this point on. ManUnited, on the other hand, remained cool and even made it 3-0 through Rashford (77th) after McTominay had won the ball beautifully, but the final goal was scored by Toney, who scored the consolation goal in minute 85.
For the Red Devils, who remain in seventh place, the next important league game is against fourth-placed West Ham (Saturday, 4pm). Brentford, who have lost five of their last six games, host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the same time.
