Manchester United won 1-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
Marcus Rashford scored the sole goal in a game in which United was considerably superior, and the three points sent the Red Devils back into the Champions League spots.
United began slowly and struggled to break down Brentford in the early minutes. As attempts from Scott McTominay and Antony went just wide, the Red Devils seized the lead after 27 minutes.
Within the area, Marcel Sabitzer brilliantly cushioned a header into the path of Rashford, who hammered the ball beyond David Raya in the away goal.
From then, United dominated, and Anthony twice struck wide from distance, while Rashford continued to тhrҽaтҽn with an off-target effort and a fizzed cross that Raya saved. However, Brentford had just one notable opportunity in the first half: an Ivan Toney header that never looked like worrying David de Gea.
The second half started with the same two engaged in a Brentford opportunity, but De Gea’s clearance bounced off Toney and went wide rather than into the net. Yet the Red Devils were still ahead, and Antony curled wide shortly after, while Sabitzer’s attempt was blocked.
At 67 minutes, Kevin Schade had an opportunity, and De Gea did well to rush out of his goal and narrow the angle for the striker, who had his shot stopped by the United no.1.
After 80 minutes, Fred fired over in a calm finish to a somewhat uninteresting game at Old Trafford, while Toney chipped over from the outside of the box in injury time. Here’s how we assessed the Manchester United players…
1. David de Gea- 6
Had kicking troubles again, but made a superb save to deny Schade in the second half.
2. Diogo Dalot- 6
Was strong in the back and contributed upfront.
3. Raphael Varane- 6
Put up a decent effort but was decisively defeated by Schade in his one-on-one match.
4. Lisandro Martinez- 7
Thundered into tackles and was strong in possession – a typical performance from the dependable center-back.
5. Luke Shaw- 6 (off 37)
I got down the line a lot and had one amazing run early on. The defender was substituted in the first half, most likely due to injury.
6. Scott McTominay- 8
Put forth a strong performance and fought in the heart of United’s midfield. Throughout the game, the No. 39 made numerous nice tackles and well-timed interceptions.
7. Bruno Fernandes- 7
Dropped deeper alongside McTominay, keeping the ball moving in the center. Fernandes performed brilliantly and made numerous dangerous passes behind the defense.
8. Antony- 6 (of 86)
Was dangerous cutting in with his left foot and producing a handful of wide shots.
9. Marcel Sabitzer- 7 (off 71)
He played in a more forward position and had one of his greatest performances for United thus far. Sabitzer assisted Rashford’s goal and was involved in many United offҽnᵴivҽ plays.
10. Jadon Sancho- 6 (off 71)
During the game, he produced some excellent dribbles and paired effectively with Rashford.
11. Marcus Rashford- 6
In a central position, he wasn’t at his best and didn’t see as much of the ball. Yet the attacker scored the game-winning goal at Old Trafford, his 27th of the season.
12. Tyrell Malacia- 7 (on 37)
Malacia, who was always an option for the player on the ball, made many runs down the wing and gave nothing up at the back.
