MANCHESTER UNITED got revenge on Brentford as Marcus Rashford bagged the winner against the Bees in a 1-0 win in the Premier League.Erik ten Hag said this about the win: “I think [it was] a very good performance. First half we played brilliant football and it’s not easy against a very good Brentford.”
Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen could return for United’s game against Everton on the weekend.
The Dane has been out since being clattered by Andy Carroll in an FA Cup game in January.
And we’ve got the very latest on United’s takeover talks.
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Glazers address takeover fears
The Glazers insist they remain “open-minded” amid suggestions they could stay in charge of Manchester United.
The unpopular United owners put the club up for sale and are asking for a world record £6billion with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani posing as the frontrunners to succeed them.
But there are concerns the Glazers may end up staying at Old Trafford, particularly with brothers Joel and Avram open to minority investment from an outside source.
According to The Telegraph, however, the Americans have addressed suggestions they may stay by just stating they remain ‘open-minded’.
The Glazers have also confirmed they continue to pursue “all available options”, too.
Christian Eriksen return
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out Christian Eriksen making a speedy return for Saturday’s match against Everton at Old Trafford.
Eriksen has been out since being clattered by Andy Carroll in an FA Cup game against Reading in January.
When asked about the playmaker’s comeback, Ten Hag told Viaplay: “We will see. We see it from day to day.
“He is progressing. He is now back only this week in team training tomorrow [Thursday] and the day after tomorrow [Friday].
“We have two sessions. After that, we will decide if he is back in the squad again.”
Ten Hag reacts
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised his players after Wednesday’s victory over Brenford.
Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “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 compact 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 in 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.”
Credit: Getty
Fight for Vic
Glenn Hoddle has urged Chelsea to go all in for Man United target Victor Osimhen.
The Napoli striker is having an outrageous season as he seeks to lead his club to their first title in decades.
And Hoddle said: “Hoddle told Premier League Productions: ‘They do need a No 9, they do need a goal scorer.
“But I’ll tell you what, whoever comes in as a new manager for this squad, normally you’d say when a new manager comes in he’s going to want to bring some of his own players in, I think he only needs a No 9, I think everything [else] is there.
“You need someone who you think is going to score 20 goals for you, a fox in the box, someone who wants to be in that area where they’re creating so much.”
Marcs Out of 10
Erik ten Hag was impressed with what he saw from his new look front-line last night against Brentford.
Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst dropped out of the first 11 and ten Hag was left gushing about the combinations between his attacking players.
He said of Marcus Rashford: “He played a very good game. I think he was very versatile. He came out of the front line and we used him as the target but he also went out wide.
“I think the combination between him and Marcel Sabitzer and also Jadon Sancho and Antony [was good].”
Erik ten Happy
Erik ten Hag spoke highly of his team following yesterday’s 1-0 win over Brentford.
The Dutch boss said: “I think [it was] a very good performance. First half we played brilliant football and it’s not easy against a very good Brentford. They defend really compact, high, or really deep, so it’s not easy to create chances.
“On the ball, it was very good with the big engine – Bruno Fernandes – he played a brilliant game. We had a couple of chances, but we conceded nothing in the first half, so the defence was very good.”
“Second half we concede only one chance and David De Gea was there, a very good save in the one-on-one. In the second half, we were winning duals, and winning fights and that is the way we have to play.”
Eriksen’s Return
Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out Christian Eriksen making a speedy return for the game against Everton on Saturday.
The Dane has been out since being clattered by Andy Carroll in an FA Cup game in January.
When asked about Eriksen’s comeback, Ten Hag told Viaplay: “We will see. We see it from day to day.
“He is progressing. He is now back only this week in team training tomorrow [Thursday] and the day after tomorrow [Friday]. We have two sessions. After that, we will decide if he is back in the squad again.”
Got the Gigg
The son of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs looks set to leave the club.
Zach, 16, is nearing a move to Sheffield United and therefore could be part of a Premier League squad next season.
The Blades are in the hunt for promotion and sit in second place in the Championship.
Giggs has been part of the United academy since 2019, hoping to emulate his father at the club.
He has played for the Under-18s side, but his hopes of landing a professional deal at United have been dampened.
Bru-Tal
Manchester United fans were in stitches after watching Bruno Fernandes kick David de Gea while the goalkeeper was down injured.
The United No1 required treatment after producing a magnificent save in the 1-0 win over Brentford.
As the physios rushed over to De Gea they were joined by the captain on the night, Fernandes.
But instead of checking on the welfare of his team-mate, the Portugal international began to jokingly kick De Gea as he lay on the ground.
Footage emerged of the incident on social media and many fans found Fernandes’ behaviour hilarious.
Reliant on Rashford?
Marcus Rashford’s incredible goal-scoring form thing has been on the best parts of Man United’s season.
But even manager Erik ten Hag couldn’t help but point out the goal burden on the 25-year-old’s shoulders as he implored other Red Devil stars to help out more last week.
And here’s a stat that might leave the Dutchman a bit worried.
United not won a league game without Rashford scoring since the 2-1 away win at Fulham on November 13.
Thick and Fast
With Man United still in three competitions, games will be coming at them with alarming pace in the coming weeks.
Here’s how their immediate fixture list looks.
Toney Beware
Another goal by Marcus Rashford last night has edged him closer to the Premier League top scorers.
Ivan Toney is now directly in his sights while Harry Kane and Erling Haaland remain out in the distance.
Top Marcs
Marcus Rashford was at it again last night as he netted the only goal of the game against Brentford.
His strike was enough for United’s victory and his 27th goal in all competitions this season.
As long as Rashford keeps this form up, fans can be confident of a strong finish to the season as they continue to fight on three fronts.
Marcus Rashford has kept up his incredible form in 2023
Erik the ‘Ero
Jadon Sancho justified Erik ten Hag’s masterstroke selection against Brentford by outperforming Wout Weghort with ease as Manchester United finally ended their goal drought.
The 23-year-old replaced the Dutchman up top and garnered praise from fans for his performance.
Asked about the decision, Ten Hag explained: “Creativity. Jadon is making good progress since he came back.
Meanwhile, fans took to Twitter as one said: “Ever since we took out Weghorst and played Antony and Sancho as our wingers, the attack is more fluid.”
Another wrote: “I don’t want to see Weghorst ever again brev – Sancho, Rashford, Antony, Pellistri, Martial. Pick three from them.”
Red-y To Go
United got their top four ambitions back on track last night with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brentford.
Marcus Rashford was at it again as he got himself on the scoresheet but it was not a dream night for some of his teammates.
Find out who was hot and who was not with our player match ratings from last night here.
Good morning United fans
Erik ten Hag claims United’s passion and desire is back after a “massive win”.
Marcus Rashford’s 28th goal of the season deservedly saw off Brentford to put the Red Devils back up to fourth place following a dire 2-0 loss at Newcastle .
Boss Ten Hag said: “We dominated the first half especially, the second half was more of a battle.
“But then we saw what I missed on Sunday – determination, passion and desire.”
Nonetheless, it’s claimed the Dutchman is ready to put five senior players who have struggled for starts up for sale this summer.
Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams, Alex Telles, Anthony Martial and Eric Bailly are tipped for uncertain futures.
It comes as the Red Devils prepare to invite potential takeover bidders to MORE talks in the coming days – and insist a sale is still possible.
Doubts over the true intentions of the current owners the Glazers have been raised as their bankers Raine Group have kept quiet for almost a fortnight.
Finally, reported United target David Raya is now said to be wanted to LaLiga clubs.
Tottenham are also eyeing the Brentford keeper.
‘Only one mistake’
Erik ten Hag was delighted with United’s concentration in beating Brentford 1-0.
The Old Trafford manager said: “It’s about focus, we want to play as a machine.
“I thought we made one mistake but fortunately they didn’t get the benefit of it and (keeper David) De Gea was the equal to it.
“This is a massive win, especially over Brentford because as I said I admire them. This win will give us energy.”
Ten Hag urges Marcus to stay focused
United boss Erik ten Hag is determined to keep 28-goal main man Marcus Rashford in the zone.
The England striker’s latest classy finish saw off Brentford.
And Ten Hag told the BBC: “Great finish. Once again he is on top. He’s in very good form.
“Hopefully he can keep doing it until the end of the season, keeping that focus, that energy level.”
‘Our passion is back’
Erik ten Hag hailed a “massive win” and Marcus Rashford’s continuing hot streak.
Rashford’s 28th goal of the season deservedly saw off Brentford to put the Red Devils fourth following a dire 2-0 loss at Newcastle.
Boss Ten Hag said: “We dominated first half especially, second half was more of a battle.
“But then we saw what I missed on Saturday – determined, passion and desire.”
United sub ratings
Malacia for Shaw 35 – Did a solid job after replacing the England man.
Martial for Sancho 70 – One lung-busting run could have created something but did not see much of the ball.
Fred for Sabitzer, 70 – Rushed his shot and skied it after great work by Rashford 70
Lindelof – for Antony 86 – Thrown on to preserve United’s lead.
How the front three rated
ANTONY – 6
Clever chip into the box to open up the Bees to make the breakthrough – but his radar was off all night as every shot he tried seemed to go wide – or too high. If only he could use his right foot.
JADON SANCHO – 5
Given a rare start as ETH finally left out Weghorst and had one or two moments after the break. But the boss and United fans want more and no surprise when he was hooked midway through second half.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 8
Given a central role and seemed to enjoy himself playing with more freedom. Took the chance as he rifled in his 28th of the season – equalling the best tally from a United player since Fergie left. Lovely footwork to create an opening early in the second half.
Midfield ratings
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 7
Half volley just over after good work by Antony. Certainly put himself about as he was booked for wild tackle on Jensen and one important block from Baptiste to thwart a rare Bees attack.
MARCEL SABITZER – 6
Cushioned header to set up Rashford for the opener. Showed plenty of energy and forced a smart save out of Raya in the second half before being replaced by Fred as ten Hag looked to see the game out.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
Skipper did his best to create things and opened the game up a couple of times after the break. Booked for foul on Damsgaard – blasted a shot high over the bar as United looked for a second.
How Utd rated in 1-0 win
Our man Martin Blackburn assesses the Red Devils after they moved back into the Champions League spots.
DAVID DE GEA – 7
One moment of madness as he booted a clearance straight at Toney but was relieved to see it fly wide. A couple of other poor kicks but made amends with crucial second half from Schade.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Got the nod despite Wan Bissaka returning to the squad with ten Hag admitting there is little to choose between the pair. Did what he had to do defensively and linked up effectively with Antony down his flank.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Acrobatic clearance late in the first half showed what he is all about. As Brentford pushed for an equaliser he made another vital interception from a cross. Not his busiest night but did everything asked of him.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
Turned too easily by Schade but luckily De Gea got him out of jail. However he was part of a defensive display that was much-improved from the horror show against the Bees earlier in the season.
LUKE SHAW – 5
Not the way the England full-back would have wanted to celebrate his new contract. Got booked for dragging Toney to the ground early on then limped off before the break to be replaced by Malacia.
RESULT: Man Utd 1 Brentford 0
Marcus Rashford’s winner put United back over Spurs into fourth place.
Ivan Toney lobbed a last-gasp Brentford chance onto the roof of the net.
For all the reaction go to our match blog
LATEST: Man Utd 1 Brentford 0
United have ben gunning for a second goal as the Prem clash enters stoppage time.
In fact, they had their 13th corner of the match late on, having led since Marcus Rashford’s fine opener on 27 minutes.
Victory would return the Red Devils to the top four.
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