Erik ten Hag spoke after Man Utd beat Brentford 2-1. (Image: SKY SPORTS)
Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United players not to get carried away over their 2-1 win against Brentford at Old Trafford this afternoon. United overcame a controversial end to the first half to enjoy their first victory in six matches, temporarily easing the mounting pressure on Ten Hag’s job.
The Red Devils were momentarily down to 10 men after referee Samuel Barrott ordered Matthijs de Ligt to leave the pitch for a third time to treat a head injury.
De Ligt had been left bloodied after colliding with Kevin Schade’s knee in the 10th minute, and a bandage on his head appeared ineffective.
He could only watch from the sideline as an unmarked Ethan Pinnock headed a Brentford corner past Andre Onana to send the visitors into half-time with an advantage.
But United staged an impressive second-half recovery, with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund’s goals completing the comeback.
The hosts’ third Premier League win of the season lifted them to 10th, six points behind the top four, ahead of next weekend’s trip to West Ham United.
Before that clash at the London Stadium, United travel to Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on Thursday looking to improve a poor start to their Europa League campaign.
And Ten Hag has poured cold water over the Brentford triumph, aiming his immediate focus towards the upcoming schedule.
Man Utd returned to winning ways vs Brentford. (Image: Getty)
“Our only poor game was against Tottenham when we were reduced to 10 men,” Ten Hag explained after full-time.
“In all the other games, we showed some character and fighting spirit which we will build on. Don’t overrate this result it’s just a win. We have to win every game.”
The Dutchman and Ruud van Nistelrooy were booked for their furious reaction to Barrott’s decision ahead of Brentford’s goal.
He continued his referee row off the pitch, insisting the blood on De Ligt’s head was dry and revealing his players used the controversial moment as fuel for the second half.
Ten Hag added: “We were angry at half-time. It was not perfect; we controlled the game, didn’t concede chances, and created chances, so we felt injustice.
“I asked him [De Ligt] if there was a problem, and he said he was 100 per cent, so there was not any doubt to take him off.
“It was dry blood. He was already treated for it. We didn’t understand why he was sent off.
“It was a huge moment because Brentford are very good from corners, and we were missing one of our best headers of the ball.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1964381/Man-Utd-score-Erik-ten-Hag-Brentford