A sense of necessity was the general feeling around Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag finally enjoyed the fruits of his Manchester United labour in a deserved 2-1 victory against Brentford.
Amidst the backdrop of an expectant Stretford End and a blood-thirsty media, the Dutchman witnessed his side embrace the ideology of the Theatre of Dreams with an attacking onslaught befitting of the stage.
Significantly, it was a badly-needed three points for the 20-time champions – ending a three-game Premier League run without a goal or a win to their name.
We’re Manchester United, we want to Attack
With the return of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez to the centre of defence, the duo needed to be clear on proceedings from the off against the PL’s fastest starters.
Thomas Franks’ side enjoyed a promising period in possession – as expected when considering their recent goalscoring exploits – but failed to find the net inside the opening two minutes for the first time in five outings.
United withstood the early pressure and began edging matters across the board, completing more passes (217 | 192), supplying more final-third entries (29 | 22) and creating more shots on goal (10 | 6) throughout the opening half.
However, as has often been the case throughout Ten Hag’s tenure, the home side fell beside against the run of play in the most unfortunate circumstances.
De Ligt had twice left the field for blood treatment on a head injury sustained in the opening quarter when referee Samuel Barrott marshalled him off for a third time before a corner kick in first-half stoppage time.
With the Dutchman visibly angry on the touchline and his side once more down to ten men, Ethan Pinnock powered a header home from six yards with Onana helpless in the United goal.
The Reds went into the locker room furious and without a goal scored in seven consecutive halves of Premier League football.
For those who questioned this squad’s commitment to their manager and desire to fight for the badge, the restart offered little to no evidence to support their claims.
A powerful display of attacking intent, high-pressing and obligation to the fanbase saw the impressive Alejandro Garnacho slot home a majestic Marcus Rashford cross after two minutes of the restart.
That phase set the tone for an imperious half of football, with United creating 13 shots against a couple from the visitors, with three big chances manufactured in the process.
If the first goal was vintage United, the second was a piece of magic. A typically brilliant back-heel from Bruno Fernandes set Rasmus Hojlund through on goal, with the Dane casually chipping his finish over the head of the oncoming Mark Flekken shortly after the hour mark.
Impressively, the group continued to press high late into the game, completing 36 entries into the final third with 13 tackles won.
It was a second half inspired by Garnacho’s willingness to run, shoot and repeat – an industrious ability which his undeniably skilful industry.
Hojlund was a critical focal point at the head of the attack – highlighting how invaluable he is to this side – and how much his presence is required following a pre-season injury.
Furthermore, Rashford looked like a footballer enjoying himself alongside his Portuguese captain, who delighted with a catalogue of impressive technical mastery.
Ten Hag’s men avoided the ignominy of a third consecutive league defeat at Old Trafford – a cruel statistic that has not surfaced since 1979.
His side have cut the gap to fourth place to four points, with eyes turning to Turkey for Thursday’s Europa League tie against Fenerbahce.
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