BREAKING NEWS: Fabrizio Romano reports that Erik ten Hag emphasized the distinction between simply playing to win and having a strong desire to win. He told his players they needed to secure a victory to silence their critics, and they accomplished that today. Manchester United dominated Brentford, achieving their first win of the month.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Erik ten Hag has praised his Manchester United players following their 2-1 victory over Brentford, the club’s first win of the month. Ten Hag’s post-match remarks emphasized the players’ eagerness to silence their critics, with the win at Old Trafford serving as a strong response to the growing discontent surrounding the team’s recent performances.

“There is a difference between playing to win and being hungry to win,” said Ten Hag, expressing his satisfaction with the team’s determination. He shared that the squad was motivated to secure the win not just for points but to respond to the criticism they had been facing.

United’s performance hinted at a return to their traditional fighting spirit, which has been missing in recent games. This victory helped boost morale after a rough patch in which the team struggled for consistency on the pitch.

The win was more than just about three points; it was about restoring pride. United’s recent poor form had led to increased scrutiny, with pundits and fans questioning the team’s desire and Ten Hag’s tactics.

Therefore, this victory carried added significance, helping to both rebuild confidence within the team and provide relief for the manager, who has faced mounting pressure.

From the start of the match, United showed a clear sense of urgency, taking control of the game. Brentford, known for their resilience, found themselves chasing United throughout much of the contest.

United’s forwards, especially Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, looked sharp, constantly threatening Brentford’s defense. Rashford’s pace and directness stood out, causing problems for the opposition.

Ten Hag’s decision to start Danish striker Rasmus Højlund paid off, as the forward opened the scoring with his first Premier League goal, finishing off a fluid attacking move. Højlund’s performance demonstrated his potential to be a key figure in United’s attack, effectively linking up with his teammates and holding up play.

The midfield pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen was crucial in controlling the game, winning the ball back quickly and launching United’s attacks. Casemiro, who had been under scrutiny, silenced critics with a goal and an assist, reaffirming his importance to the team.

While this single win doesn’t resolve all of United’s issues, the emphatic nature of the performance offers hope that the team may be turning a corner. With players returning from injury, the future seems more promising for Ten Hag’s side.