Manchester United are back on track for success in the Premier League after beating Brentford 1-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Erik ten Haga’s side went into the competition in Manchester fifth but a narrow win over the Bees put them back in the top four, three points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, with a game in north London.

Marcus Rashford’s goal in the 27th minute was the decisive difference between the sides as ninth-placed Brentford lost for the sixth time in the league this season.

Man United flew out of traps at Old Trafford when Brentford had to defend on the edge of their own box in the early substitutions; Rashford started in the middle for the Red Devils with Jadon Sancho replacing Wout Weghorst due to his recent troubles.

Ten Hag’s side had nearly 80% possession in the first 20 minutes but Brentford’s form made it difficult for the home side to close gaps; Marcel Sabitzer tried a free kick from the edge of the box, but his attempt in the 19th minute went over the bar.

Scott McTominay had a chance in the 20th minute when the Scotland international was free in the Brentford box but missed for the visitors.

Antony rolled just wide of the far post four minutes later when the striker took advantage of the gap and tried to hit the top corner with his left foot.

But Man United took the lead in the 27th minute when Rashford turned the ball around on the halfway line after Sabitzer got to his team-mate in the Brentford box after a skillful pass from Antony.

The home side made a substitution in the 37th minute when Tyrell Malacia replaced Luke Shaw, who headed straight for the tunnel with apparent hamstring problems.

The Ten Hags had another half-chance shortly after when Rashford found Antony on the edge of the box, but the Brazilian’s volley always went wide of the post before Rashford fired just wide when he tried his luck from the edge of the box. the box.

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya made a good save of another Rashford try in the 44th minute before Ivan Toney headed over the bar at the other end to give the visitors their only first-half success at Old Trafford.

Toney had another chance early in the second period when David de Gea held the ball too long, but luckily for the Man United keeper the rebound went just wide of the post.

Sancho then blocked one at the other end before Rashford was shut down after a poor run in the box and the game kept the pace high early in the second period.

Rashford failed to find Antony’s pass in the 56th minute before Raya Sabitzer kept out as Man United tried to create a two-goal cushion.

Brentford had a great chance to equalize in the 67th minute when Kevin Schade passed Raphael Varane before going one-on-one with De Gea, but the Man United shot-stopper made an excellent save that had to be dealt with. to the collision that occurred.

Antony hit another try over the bar in the 79th minute before Fred fired over Brentford from the box after clever work from Rashford.

Schade’s pace and tricks proved problematic for Man United in the closing stages as the home side came under increasing pressure from the visitors.

However, the Red Devils could squander a few late minutes with several corners of their own hold at Brentford in a strong spell for Thomas Frank’s side.

At the end of the 90s four minutes were still played; Aaron Hickey had a late half-chance when he found space outside the box but his try went wide before Toney lobbed one into the top of the goal to prevent Brentford from finally finding the back of the net at Old Trafford.

Man United’s next league game is at home to Everton on Saturday, while Brentford host Newcastle United the same afternoon.

Lineups:

Man. United: 

De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw (Malacia 37); McTominay, Sabitzer (Fred 71); Antony (Lindelof 86), Fernandes, Sancho (Martial 71); Rashford

Subs not used: Butland, Maguire, Weghorst, Pellestri, Wan-Bissaka 

Brentford: 

Raya; Roerslev (Hickey 75), Jansson, Pinnock, Mee, Henry; Norgaard (Wissa 75), Jensen (Baptiste 62), Damsgaard (Dasilva 62); Mbeumo (Schade 62), Toney

Subs not used: Strakosha, Zanka, Ghoddos, Stevens

Scorers:

Bookings:

Man of the Match: Marcus Rashford