Manchester United are back to winning ways and Erik ten Hag can finally enjoy some credit for once, though he may need to share some with assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy.
It did look like another Manchester United disaster was on the cards at half-time when Ethan Pinnock had nodded Brentford ahead just before the break.
Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy were booked for their furious remonstrations with officials after the goal, as Matthijs de Ligt had been ordered off the field due to blood just before the corner was swung in.
However, that lit a fire under the crowd and the players, with United coming out of the traps guns blazing in the second half and levelling through Alejandro Garnacho’s sweet volley.
The turnaround was completed when Rasmus Hojlund latched on to Bruno Fernandes’ flick and deftly lifted the ball over the out-rushing goalkeeper.
It was a fine finish and the Dane’s first goal of the season. After the match, Hojlund discussed his relationship with new coach and former striker Van Nistelrooy.
Hojlund says working with Van Nistelrooy is ‘big’ for him
Speaking to MUTV after the win, Hojlund discussed his goal and how he is benefitting from working alongside legendary striker Van Nistelrooy.
He said: “I’m trying to bring everything I can every time I step on the pitch, especially here [at Old Trafford].
“I was trying not to fight too much with the defenders, I was trying to focus on getting the ball to my feet.
“Working very close with him [Van Nistelrooy] is a big step for me. He is doing a great job.”
This could kickstart Rasmus Hojlund’s season at United
Hojlund’s campaign has been curtailed by injury and then he came into a team that was struggling to create chances, let alone score goals.
At one point on Saturday, United were the lowest scorers in the Premier League below even Southampton before the two strikes took them off the bottom.
Not only did Hojlund score a fine goal but he put in an impressive frontman performance that bodes well for the coming weeks.
The No.9 made great runs to find space, held the ball up well to bring others into play and led the line like a striker should. It’s clear Van Nistelrooy is already having an impact and that should hopefully only improve the more they work together.
Ten Hag was impressed with his display as well and told MUTV: “He was good. He combined well, and that was very important today.
“We know he is clinical, and that is what the team has been lacking in the first weeks of the season.”
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