Erik ten Hag expresses relief over Manchester United’s ‘one mistake’ v Brentford

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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag expressed relief the team’s ‘one mistake’ against Brentford was not costly.

United won the game 1-0, edging past Brentford thanks to a Marcus Rashford goal in the first half, his 28th of the season.

It wasn’t pretty, but it was not as nerve-wracking a game as it could have been. United were on top throughout, restricting Brentford to only one shot on target,

Erik ten Hag praised Brentford after the game and said he was very pleased with his team, and quite relieved.

Ten Hag on United’s ‘one mistake’

Erik ten Hag praised Manchester United, expressing his delight at securing a vital three point to move back into the Premier League top four.

He also expressed relief that the one error United made, was not a very costly one.

He was quoted by Metro: “This is a massive win. I admire Brentford, they play against top teams and they get results. I am really proud of my team, really happy.

“We want to play as a machine and not make mistakes – we made one mistake and thankfully, they didn’t benefit from it.”

The one error Ten Hag was referring to was an odd but not unusual moment from David de Gea and his kicking.

De Gea hesitated for a second too long in the second half before firing his goal kick straight at an onrushing Ivan Toney.

The ball could have gone anywhere. Fortunately it rebounded just wide of the goal.

It would have been a sickener, as a goal there would have been against the run of play and totally undeserved, undoing United’s good work.

De Gea to his credit redeemed himself with a brave one on one save from Toney minutes later.

Brentford left frustrated

While Erik ten Hag left Old Trafford a happy manager, Brentford boss Thomas Frank was really annoyed.

This was because his side conceded from a set piece, an area they are usually strong on and pride themselves on.

He told Brentford’s website: “We are disappointed that we conceded from a set-piece that we normally are so good at. But that’s football, that can happen.”

Brentford defender Mads Roerslev added: “It was very frustrating to concede from a set-piece. We know that in games like this, it’s the margins that decide the result. Set-pieces are a strength for us, so we’re disappointed about that.”