Marcus Rashford scored his 28th goal of the season as Manchester United settled an old score against Brentford with a controlled 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
The Bees stunned Erik ten Hag’s side back in August, storming to a 4-0 win, but there was no sign of a repeat on a rain-soaked night in Manchester, as United’s three-game scoreless run was broken expertly by Rashford.
The striker, operating centrally in the absence of Wout Weghorst, latched onto Marcel Sabitzer’s knockdown in the 27th minute, volleying emphatically beyond David Raya from close range to secure a vital three points as United got back on course for Champions League qualification.
Brentford were engaged in a 3-3 thriller with Brighton only four days prior – a game where they held the lead three times – and such exertion was evident in Thomas Frank’s charges, who were unusually lethargic, creating only one effort on target.
Man United are next in action at home to Everton on Saturday, kick-off 12.30pm, while Brentford host Newcastle on the same day, kick-off 3pm.
