(Football news) Manchester United defeated Brentford 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to Marcus Rashford scoring his 28th goal of the season. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Brentford had stunned the Red Devils with a 4-0 victory but there were no indications of a repeat performance as Manchester United exhibited great control and managed to end their three-game scoreless run. Rashford operated centrally in Weghorst’s absence and capitalised on Marcel Sabitzer’s assist in the 27th minute to find the back of the net. 

Rashford has been in impressive form for his boyhood club this season, scoring 28 goals and this was his 11th winner in the league this season, equalling Wayne Rooney’s record in the 2009-10 season. As for Brentford, they were surprisingly passive after their thrilling 3-3 draw against Brighton and registered just one shot on target. The result means that Manchester United are now level on points with Newcastle (53 points) but the Magpies are ahead on goal difference, having defeated West Ham 5-1 on Wednesday night. 

Speaking after the match, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said “It was a very good performance. First, we played some brilliant football. It isn’t easy creating chances against a very good Brentford side who defend compactly and really deep. We created some chances and conceded nothing in the first half. In the second half we conceded only one chance, so you can say our performance was really good. Yes [Rashford has been outstanding], very good. But we can talk almost every game about it and when he is not in the game, like Sunday, it is no good for us.

“We have to bring him into the game, and he also has to take responsibility. There are also other players. I was really happy with the performance of Jadon Sancho, Antony and Marcel Sabitzer because all game they were a threat. What was missing on Sunday – determination, passion and desire – we showed that in the second half by winning duels and fights. That is the way we have to play. We maybe forgot our standards [at Newcastle] but they have to return if we want to be successful in the final stages of the season.”

Brentford manager Thomas Frank said “I love my team. It’s a fantastic team. It’s a very good sign of how far we’ve come that I stand here at Old Trafford disappointed that we didn’t get anything out of the game. We didn’t hit our highest level. Yes they dominated but I don’t think they created massive chances. We could have done better with the ball. 

Of course we concede from a set-piece, which normally we are so good at, so that is disappointing. Second half was more aggressive – pressing higher. We could have equalised. Overall, very pleased with the second half but disappointed we didn’t hit a higher level. We felt there was something for us.”

Also read: Frank Lampard appointed interim manager of Chelsea until end of the season