BREAKING NEWS: “Erik ten Hag has a lot to learn, as I don’t understand why he plays that player in that position. This player is better than Kylian, but he needs better management,” said the Brentford coach, criticizing Erik ten Hag for misusing Manchester United’s top player.

Erik ten Hag and Thomas Frank expressed opposing views regarding a controversial incident during Manchester United’s 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford on Saturday afternoon. The win ended United’s five-game winless streak across all competitions.

Brentford initially took the lead just before halftime, with Ethan Pinnock scoring from a corner kick. United struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but responded strongly after the break.

Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund scored the goals that turned the game in United’s favor, both set up by assists from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes. United dominated the second half and capitalized on the opportunities they created.

However, the first half’s events, especially Brentford’s goal, sparked considerable debate. During the game, United’s player Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch multiple times by the referee due to concerns about a bleeding wound.

This included the critical moment just before Brentford’s corner, where Pinnock scored. The rules require players with bleeding injuries to leave the field until the bleeding is fully stopped. De Ligt’s wound, however, was not actively bleeding but had dried blood, causing confusion.

Ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, expressed frustration over this decision. He argued that the referee’s judgment was wrong, as De Ligt’s wound was not fresh, and removing one of United’s best defenders at a crucial defensive moment disadvantaged the team. Ten Hag voiced this frustration in his post-match comments, stating that the team felt injustice at halftime and used it as motivation to push for an equalizer.

He criticized the referee for taking De Ligt off the field when United had to defend Brentford’s strong corner play, feeling it unfairly helped Brentford gain the advantage.

On the other hand, Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, disagreed with Ten Hag’s assessment. Frank supported the referee’s decision, stating that he believed the official handled the situation well.

He argued that, had the situation been reversed, Manchester United would have wanted the same protocol to be followed if one of Brentford’s key defenders had been bleeding.