MARCUS RASHFORD’S 15th Premier League goal this season sunk Brentford to put Manchester United back in fourth place.
But a massive night for Jadon Sancho didn’t go so well – as the frontman was subbed after being recalled in place of Wout Weghorst.
PAMarcus Rashford underlined his overwhelming value to Man Utd with this winner[/caption]
ReutersMan Utd manager Erik ten Hag looks on as fit-again Anthony Martial comes on for Jadon Sancho, who largely wasted his start ahead of Wout Weghorst[/caption]
Rashford’s sensational form means he now has 28 goals in all competitions.
But there are question marks over Luke Shaw following a new injury worry.
Here’s how the Red Devils rated man by man after a 1-0 home win.
DAVID DE GEA – 7
One moment of madness as he booted a clearance straight at Toney but was relieved to see it fly wide.
A couple of other poor kicks but made amends with crucial second half from Schade.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Got the nod despite Wan Bissaka returning to the squad with ten Hag admitting there is little to choose between the pair.
Did what he had to do defensively and linked up effectively with Antony down his flank.
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LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Acrobatic clearance late in the first half showed what he is all about. As Brentford pushed for an equaliser he made another vital interception from a cross.
Not his busiest night but did everything asked of him.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
Turned too easily by Schade but luckily De Gea got him out of jail.
However he was part of a defensive display that was much-improved from the horror show against the Bees earlier in the season.
LUKE SHAW – 5
Not the way the England full-back would have wanted to celebrate his new contract.
Got booked for dragging Toney to the ground early on then limped off before the break to be replaced by Malacia.
SCOTT McTOMINAY – 7
Half volley just over after good work by Antony. Certainly put himself about as he was booked for wild tackle on Jensen and one important block from Baptiste to thwart a rare Bees attack.
MARCEL SABITZER – 6
Cushioned header to set up Rashford for the opener.
Showed plenty of energy and forced a smart save out of Raya in the second half before being replaced by Fred as ten Hag looked to see the game out.
PAAntony duels with Brentford’s German winger on a frustrating night in front fo goal for Man Utd’s Brazil wideman[/caption]
ANTONY – 6
Clever chip into the box to open up the Bees to make the breakthrough – but his radar was off all night as every shot he tried seemed to go wide – or too high. If only he could use his right foot.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
Skipper did his best to create things and opened the game up a couple of times after the break.
Booked for foul on Damsgaard – blasted a shot high over the bar as United looked for a second.
JADON SANCHO – 5
Given a rare start as ETH finally left out Weghorst and had one or two moments after the break.
But the boss and United fans want more and no surprise when he was hooked midway through second half.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 8
Given a central role and seemed to enjoy himself playing with more freedom.
Took the chance as he rifled in his 28th of the season – equalling the best tally from a United player since Fergie left. Lovely footwork to create an opening early in the second half.
SUBS
Malacia for Shaw, 35 – Did a solid job after replacing the England man.
Martial for Sancho, 70 – One lung-busting run could have created something but did not see much of the ball.
Fred for Sabitzer, 70 – Rushed his shot and skied it after great work by Rashford 70
Lindelof – for Antony, 86 – Thrown on to preserve United’s lead.