
Manchester United thought that recent form could repeat itself today, as an unmarked Ethan Pinnock headed home the first goal of the game just before half-time.
However, United responded just two minutes into the second half as Marcus Rashford's cross was met by a superb volley from Alejandro Garnacho at the back post to level the game.
Then 15 minutes later Erik ten Hag's side added a second through a Rasmus Hojlund chip goal, his first in this Premier League campaign.
The Red Devils now move up three places in the Premier League table to 11th.
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Rashford was back to his best
Marcus Rashford proved yet again why he can still play for his spot at United as he was a critical part of today's attack.
Making important challenges and tracking back to stop Brentford's threat on the counterattack, it seems like we are now seeing the Rashford of two seasons ago.
His goal tally of 17 in the 2022/23 season might not be achieved this season but he has definitely showed that he is committed to Ten Hag.
The United boss making the change to start Rashford on the right and Garnacho on the left was crucial in how the Red's attack worked today.
The Englishman looks like he is able to pass more when playing on that wing, it seemed quite refreshing to see a fluid attack work well.
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De Ligt and Evans were a robust partnership
Harry Maguire is now out for several months with a knee injury, but the question was with no fit left-backs to choose from and Noussair Mazraoui who has only just come back after undergoing a heart procedure, what defence would ten Hag start?
Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martínez started for United today.
The Argentinian filled in at left-back which gave Diogo Dalot his first start in his best position as a right-back this season.
United looked calm in and out of possession with no quick high-risk passes being made, it seemed like United were trying to do the basics right.
The experience of Evans has shown through since his time back at United and that was the case today again, alongside De Ligt who you could say might have had his best performance in a red shirt so far this season.
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Hojlund showed good hold-up play
Starting a third straight successive game up front, Rasmus Hojlund seemed back to his best.
Showing a massive difference to his game, from his past two performances against Aston Villa and Porto, as well as his cameos coming off the bench.
Holding the ball up very well with his back facing towards goal and being able to drive forward with the ball or force a foul helped the home side today.
A fully deserved goal happened for United's number nine in the 62nd minute, as he showed another side to his game in behind.
It was a positive performance from the Dane as he and United looked back to their best in the second half.
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It was a more attacking United side in the second half
Brentford had two key chances before Pinnock's goal that they could have scored from, through Kevin Schade and Christian Nørgaard.
While United were 1-0 down at half-time many fans might have thought that this is a script they have seen before.
This time though the script was rewritten at half-time at Old Trafford with the appearance of a new look of attacking play that has not really been seen so far this season.
Attacking flair and long balls in behind for Garnacho and Rashford to chase was a key part of the second-half gameplan.
It almost seemed like that half was a short glimpse of 'the United way' with the current players.
Manchester United next face Turkish side Fenerbahçe in the Europa League on Thursday.

