Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United's 2-1 win at home to Brentford on Saturday afternoon will provide a confidence boost to his side, as they look to push up the Premier League table and compete for a European spot.
Second-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund secured all three points and ended the Reds' six-game winless streak, with the United boss stating the win "will inspire the team to do even more."
-
On coming from behind
Brentford's opening goal just before half-time left both Manchester United fans and manager Erik ten Hag visibly furious.
Matthijs de Ligt had been temporarily forced off the pitch by referee Sam Barrott to receive further treatment for an injury sustained earlier in the match, which caused the Dutch centre-back to bleed from the head.
With Brentford awarded a corner, United were left a man short—and not just any man, their key aerial presence. This absence proved costly, as Ethan Pinnock found space at the near post and headed in from close range, taking advantage of the depleted United defence.
However, the Dutch manager believes his side used their frustration as extra motivation to bounce back and win the game.
"We were all very angry about the way we conceded but we responded well and we were even more determined than before half-time to score goals and win the game.
"We scored two brilliant goals. The way we scored was really enjoyable and it will inspire the team to do even more."
Ten Hag also highlighted the support from the Old Trafford crowd as a crucial factor in helping his team turn the game around.
"The support of the fans was very important. They pushed us forward to a higher level and a higher tempo, so our opponent couldn't compete and couldn't stay with us," said the United boss.
-
On Rasmus Højlund
It has been a challenging start to the season for the Danish striker, who recently returned to the United squad after a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
However, the 21-year-old looked sharp and back to his best against Thomas Frank's side, showcasing excellent link-up play and sealing the win with a brilliant chip over Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Ten Hag heaped praise on his striker following the win: "Hojlund was good as a target. He did some good linkup in the game which was very important today.
"We know he's clinical which is what we've missed over the last few weeks."
The United boss will be eager to see the former Atalanta forward kick on this season and deliver tap-drawer displays consistently, with the aim of surpassing last season's tally of 10 Premier League goals and making an even greater impact at Old Trafford this season.
-
On the importance of the win
After a disappointing run of results in recent weeks, Ten Hag will be hoping the win serves as a turning point for his team, allowing them to reset and build momentum as they aim to push on this season.
"Wins will bring you belief. You can perform quite well, have clean sheets and create chances as we did at the start of the season but when you don't win everyone is disappointed. But when you perform like this and win it will bring confidence," said the former Ajax boss.
However, Ten Hag assured fans his team are focused on keeping momentum: "We have to win every game. 24 hours and we move on."
The Red Devils will swiftly switch their focus to Thursday night's Europa League clash against former United manager José Mourinho's Fenerbahçe side.
With United currently sitting 10th in the Premier League and everything still at stake in the cup competitions, the coming weeks are poised to be pivotal for both the team's season and Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford.
Despite the pressure, Ten Hag emphasised that his squad are "together" as they prepare for this vital stretch ahead.
