Marcus Rashford inspires Manchester United to a win over Brentford

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford inspires Manchester United to a win over Brentford

Joba Ogunwale 22:01 - 05.04.2023

Manchester United remain on course to reach the Champions League after beating Brentford at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford scored the only goal as Manchester United beat Brentford in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. 

The win lifts them back into the top four, having dropped out of the Champions League places temporarily following Tottenham Hotspur’s draw against Everton. 

How it happened

Manchester United needed a response after they suffered a deserved 2-0 defeat against fellow top four hopefuls Newcastle last Sunday. 

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Erik Ten Hag named Marcus Rashford upfront, with Antony, Marcel Sabitzer and Jadon Sancho providing support. 

The Red Devils dominated possession in the early stages of the encounter, but chances were few. 

Brentford, who are punching above their weights this season, did not offer much going forward, with Thomas Frank’s men happy to sit back. 

The approach would later backfire as Manchester United took the lead in the 27th minute through Rashford, whose side footed a volley intp the roof of the net. 

The first half went perfectly for Man Utd except for Luke Shaw, who went off just before half time due to injury.

Man Utd see off Brentford 

The second half had little to no action as Manchester United defended their slender lead. Brentford did come out to attack following the break, but United were solid at the back for most parts of the half. 

However, the Bees almost grabbed an equaliser through substitute Kevin Schade. But the German footballer was brilliantly denied by United’s goalkeeper David de Gea.

Schade’s chance turned out to be Brentford’s only opportunity to grab an equaliser, with United running out as 1-0 winners. 

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The result lifts United into fourth with 53 points, while Brentford stay in ninth with 43 points from 29 games.

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