Manchester United 2-1 Brentford: McTominay masterclass spares United blushes

Scott McTominay scored two injury-time goals to win three huge points for Manchester United against Brentford, at Old Trafford.

After a slow start to the game, it was Brentford who took the lead after 26 minutes. Mathias Jensen swept home after a series of defensive errors from the home side; Casemiro gave the ball away and Victor Lindelof turned a Brentford ball back to Mathias Jensen, who slotted home as Andre Onana couldn’t get a strong enough hand to the ball.

Brentford sat back and coped well with Manchester United’s pressure, and the home team were unable to test Strakosha in the Brentford goal.

Ethan Pinnock impressed and led the away sides defensive performance, with a series of important tackles and blocks.

Christian Eriksen, Anthony Martial and Antony all came on in the second half, but were unable to pick the Brentford defence apart. Rasmus Holjund and Alejandro Garnacho went close but were unable to get their shots on target inside the box.

Brentford did look to counter-attack, but were unable to make the most of some good situations going forward.

Scott McTominay replaced summer loanee Sofyan Amrabat in the 87th minute, and the Scottish international quickly became the hero of the day.

Alejandro Garnacho cut the ball back from the byline and the it fell to McTominay, who was able to blast the ball into the bottom corner to equalise in the 93rd minute.

United continued to press for the winner, and they got it in the 97th minute; Bruno Fernandes’s long ball was flicked on by Harry Maguire, and Scott McTominay was able to head home with the ball shaving the inside of the post.

The celebrations after the goal, and at full-time, showed a huge sense of relief after a poor run of form from Manchester United.

Brentford will be massively disappointed after leading going into stoppage time. The away side still await their first win at Old Trafford since 1937.