Five things we learned as Manchester United beat Brentford 1-0

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Manchester United have beaten Brentford 1-0 in a hard fought home victory to return to winning ways in the Premier League.

Here is a look at five things we learned from the game at Old Trafford…

Manchester United settle a score

Manchester United’s loss early in the season at Brentford was a humiliation, beaten comprehensively within the first 45 minutes.

While a win was important to get back into the top four, it was also crucial to exact some revenge for the players’ personal pride.

This was hardly as definitive as United’s 4-0 loss back in August, but it was an important victory, reinforcing the team’s strong record at fortress Old Trafford.

Brentford had only lost five Premier League games all season before this match. United didn’t need Casemiro to do it either, who now has just one game left of his suspension.

Marcus Rashford back among the goals

Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock for Manchester United after a strong start. It was a spell United needed to capitalise on and the team’s top scorer did so.

While this well taken goal was Rashford’s 28th goal of the season, it was his first strike in the Premier League since mid-February.

There were only three league games Rashford failed to score in, but he also went goalless in the two FA Cup games he featured in too, during this stretch.

Rashford was criticised on BBC Sport after the Newcastle game, and this was a great way for him to respond.

For this game he led the line, with Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial on the bench. Rashford’s goal showed Erik ten Hag made the right decision.

Game number 250 ends early for Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw made his 250th appearance for Manchester United, selected as a starter once again shortly after signing a contract extension.

Sadly it was not a night to remember for him. Having picked up a booking, Shaw then appeared to sustain an injury. Hopefully just a precautionary move, Shaw was substituted after only 37 minutes.

Manchester United have a very good stand-in with Tyrell Malacia, who actually deserves more game time than he gets.

We will learn more about Shaw’s injury in the coming days, but with a busy fixture list, United were right to take no chances.

Sabitzer helps his cause

Views on whether Marcel Sabitzer should be signed permanently, range from game to game. His performance in this game certainly will have helped his cause.

Sabitzer provided the assist for Marcus Rashford’s opener with a clever headed pass in a crowded penalty area.

Many players would have attempted to head at goal from Sabitzer’s position, a difficult one, but he showed great awareness to direct the ball down into Rashford’s path.

He played a more advanced role than he did in the loss to Newcastle, and had a strong game, with his physicality just what United’s midfield needed against an awkward Brentford side.

Back into the top four

Manchester United’s win gets us back on track and now three points ahead of fifth placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

Newcastle won again tonight too, so we stay in fourth on goal difference, but this was an important victory.

Once again, United bounced back from a defeat with a win, and Erik ten Hag will be pleased with the character his side showed to get through a difficult game.

Another home win against Everton this weekend in the early game will consolidate our position further, with Tottenham facing in-form Brighton.