Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Marcus Rashford s first-half strike was enough to see off the Bees, ending a three-match winless streak for Erik ten Hag s side in the league since winning the Carabao Cup.
Brentford could not muster much of a response in the second half, United controlling the flow of the game throughout.
Though the scoreline was far from flattering, it sealed a vital three points for United that moves them back ahead of Tottenham and into fourth position.
This is too cold
— Manchester United (@ManUtd)
The hosts dominated possession early on but were unable to test David Raya in the Brentford net, Scott McTominay firing an effort over the top of the crossbar before Antony cut inside onto his left and curled an effort wide.
United s breakthrough came after 27 minutes, Brentford not clearing their lines effectively from a corner and Antony clipping a ball back into the box where Marcel Sabitzer headed down for Rashford to duly smash home.
Brentford were almost gifted an equaliser shortly after the restart, David de Gea put under pressure by Ivan Toney and the keeper s clearance bouncing off the back of the England international and just wide of the post.
Ten Hag s side continued to be on the front foot, though struggling to truly test Raya s capabilities, but Sabitzer tested his reflexes with a low shot from the edge of the box after Rashford s lay-off.
Though United were not able to find more effectiveness in front of goal, any threat of a Brentford comeback was unfounded as United held firm to clinch three valuable points.
What does it mean? Utd ease the pressure
A quick glance at United s record in all competitions since lifting the Carabao Cup shows clear inconsistency, with performances in the Premier League not comparable with results in the FA Cup and Europa League.
Defeats to Liverpool and Newcastle United, either side of a goalless draw against Southampton, had Ten Hag s side in a spin with three winless matches – all of which came without scoring.
Victory against Brentford somewhat changes the outlook, providing a chance to build some momentum, though just three shots on target from 18 attempts will be a concern.
Marcus Rashford makes the difference at Old Trafford
— Premier League (@premierleague)
Reliable Rashford
It was not long ago that Rashford s future at United was in question but the England international has transformed into a different beast since his World Cup exploits in Qatar.
Rashford s strike against Brentford was his 11th in the Premier League since the tournament, more than any other player, while only Napoli s Victor Osimhen (12) has scored more in Europe s top-five leagues.
Antony s woes
Though playing a crucial role in the build-up to United s goal, Antony will certainly leave Old Trafford thinking he should have done more.
The Brazil international had five shots in the game – three from inside the box – both of which were more than any other player, yet he failed to hit the target with a single one of his attempts.
What s next?
United host Everton in Saturday s early Premier League kick-off, while Brentford will look to bounce back at home to Newcastle on the same day.
