Manchester United 1-0 Brentford LIVE! Premier League result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Manchester United vs Brentford - LIVE!

Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side had dropped points in each of their past three League matches, their last victory coming on February 19 against Leicester, and it has seen them dragged back into the top-four race having been outside title contenders.

But United were dominant from the first whistle against Brentford, and took a deserved lead before half-time. Marcel Sabitzer nodded a cross into the path of Marcus Rashford, and he fired home past David Raya from close range for his 28th goal of the season.

Brentford improved somewhat after the break and should really have equalised as Kevin Schade was played clean through on goal, but the German could only dink his effort straight at the onrushing David de Gea. That proved to be Brentford’s one and only big chance to take something away from Manchester as United held firm in the closing stages, moving back into the top four in the process.

Man United vs Brentford latest news

• FT: Man United 1-0 Brentford

• HT: Hosts in front after 45 minutes

• GOAL! Rashford fires United in front

Manchester United FC 1 - 0 Brentford FC

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22:56 , Matt Verri

How right Thomas Frank was. He warned his Brentford players their trip to Old Trafford was a totally different match to their 4-0 rout of Manchester United back in August — and in so many ways it was.

The Bees produced a rampant display on that sunlit afternoon against a side much younger in their evolution under Erik ten Hag than they now are. By 35 minutes, Frank’s side were four goals up.

Here, Brentford’s counterattacking was so much less effective that the two performances are almost completely incomparable. It said a lot that the closest they came to scoring was when David de Gea booted a clearance against Ivan Toney and it clattered against the advertising hoarding behind the goal.

Read our full analysis here

Player ratings

22:08 , Matt Verri

Bruno Fernandes — 6

It’s a trope for a reason: he really does like to spend a lot of time complaining to referees. An off-night for one of United’s most capable players.

Jadon Sancho — 5

Quiet again from a man still yet to fully ingratiate himself with the Red Devils faithful.

Marcus Rashford — 8

Magnificent, mercurial performance from a player who has scored more Premier League goals than anyone else since the World Cup. Ran at defenders with purpose and didn’t hesistate to shoot. Scored the game’s only goal.

Read our Man United ratings in full here

Rashford closing in on 30 for the season

22:01 , Matt Verri

That’s 28 goals for Rashford for Manchester United this season. More impressively, 20 of those have come since the World Cup.

He’s been almost the sole goalscorer for the side in recent months, but he’s done so brilliantly. Another wonderful display tonight.

FT: Man United 1-0 Brentford

21:54 , Matt Verri

Job done for Man United!

Really good in that first half, bit edgy in the closing stages but they are back to winning ways and back in the top four.

Rashford once again the man to make the difference.

21:52 , Matt Verri

90+2 mins: Toney with a very ambitious chipped effort from the edge of the box.

De Gea got back in time, and the ball floated well over the bar. Apart from that it was great.

21:50 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Four minutes added on.

One of those will be wasted by De Gea from the goal kick, as Hickey shanks an effort from distance well wide.

21:49 , Matt Verri

89 mins: ANOTHER United corner. We must be in triple figures now.

Again it’s not even vaguely threatening, Brentford can comfortably clear. Home crowd are still edgy heading into the final few minutes.

21:46 , Matt Verri

86 mins: Well that gives a decent indication of what Ten Hag is thinking. Antony off, Lindelof on.

He’s brought on as United look to defend a corner. De Gea off his line, doesn’t get there but Varane does the job for him.

21:44 , Matt Verri

84 mins: United slightly stuck between pushing for a second and just holding what they have.

Nearly have the chance for the former as Martial looks to flick a pass through to Fernandes, well-read though and Brentford can clear the danger.

21:40 , Matt Verri

81 mins: Huge groans of frustration around Old Trafford as Fred blazes over.

Another superb run from Rashford, drives into the box and cuts the ball back for Fred. Big chance, wild finish.

Crowd still edgy while the lead is only one.

21:39 , Matt Verri

79 mins: The Brentford charge has cooled off since that Schade miss. Really was a huge moment.

United much more in control now, and Fred wins them a corner as he breaks down the right. The Brazilian then clips a cross into the box, evades everyone and out of play.

21:35 , Matt Verri

75 mins: Fernandes from miles out... miles over the bar. He hasn’t had his best game, that is for sure.

Wissa on for Norgaard for Brentford. He’s not looking particularly thrilled with life in the rain, it has to be said. Hickey on too for Roerslev.

21:32 , Matt Verri

72 mins: A lot more space on offer now as Brentford commit bodies forward. Feels like there will be chances for both in the final 20 minutes.

Dasilva has space to swing a cross into the United box, succeeds only in swinging it straight out of play.

21:30 , Matt Verri

70 mins: Ball bobbling around in the United, box McTominay catches a volley really sweetly but it’s blocked.

Not that it matters, whistle has gone for a foul from Antony in the build-up.

Ten Hag turns to his bench. Fred on for Sabitzer, Martial on for Sancho.

21:27 , Matt Verri

67 mins: HUGE CHANCE!

Schade clean through on goal, has to score but he’s denied by De Gea! Gets clattered by the Brentford striker in the process, he’ll need some treatment.

21:26 , Matt Verri

66 mins: Brentford have finally woken up, United under pressure for the first time.

Baptiste takes a great first touch, McTominay flies in to block brilliantly. Corner swung in, headed over the bar by Norgaard.

So much better from the Bees.

21:23 , Matt Verri

63 mins: Triple change for the visitors. Frank trying to get something going.

Jensen, Damsgaard, and Mbeumo all make way, as Dasilva, Schade and Baptiste come on.

21:21 , Matt Verri

61 mins: Brentford corner, set-piece probably their best hope of a goal the way things are going.

Cleared to the edge of the box, and Fernandes then wins a cheap free-kick. Norgaard earns himself a yellow card for that foul, incredibly harsh.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

21:19 , Matt Verri

United still the side very much in control here - Brentford getting nowhere near to David de Gea’s box.

Their transitions, when they have won the ball, have not been effective either. The Red Devils have snuffed out everything.

21:19 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Fernandes the latest player into the book, as he charges back and slides in on Damsgaard who was leading the Brentford counter.

Definitely got a fair amount of the ball, for once his whining has a bit of justification.

21:15 , Matt Verri

56 mins: Brentford might want to stop Antony cutting onto his left foot every time. They somehow still haven’t worked out that’s what he’s going to do.

This time he tries to pick out Rashford, just in front of the Englishman though and out of play.

21:14 , Matt Verri

54 mins: Chaos in the Brentford box! Rashford drifts out to the left and drives into the box, twisten Jansson inside and out.

Shot is blocked, Rashford then goes down holding his face. Will get a corner, not the penalty he initially wanted.

Fernandes clips it in, Mee heads it away and Norgaard hammers it up the pitch.

21:10 , Matt Verri

51 mins: Norgaard into the book for dragging McTominay back. Tough to complain when you rugby tackle someone.

Sancho has an effort blocked from the edge of the box, before Martinez goes flying in on Toney to stop the counter. Brentford man not particularly pleased with that challenge.

21:09 , Matt Verri

49 mins: Dear me. De Gea very casual as he looks to launch the ball forward, Toney charges it down and the ball flies just wide of the empty goal.

That really could have gone anywhere!

21:08 , Matt Verri

48 mins: Brentford have made a slightly better start to this half, but that’s not saying much. Been scrappy from both sides in the opening few minutes.

Toney has been in really good form but he’s barely had a kick tonight. This is better, Damsgaard looks to pick him out... just too much on the cross.

Back underway!

21:04 , Matt Verri

Up and running again at Old Trafford.

Pretty decent form!

20:56 , Matt Verri

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:52 , Matt Verri

That was a half which the hosts will be much more pleased with. While United dominated large segments of that first 45 and managed to muster the lead through Marcus Rashford’s close-range volley,

Brentford were largely bystanders. They’ll need to offer a lot more if they’re to head back down south with anything other than a defeat.

HT: Man United 1-0 Brentford

20:49 , Matt Verri

And that’s half-time.

Brentford second best by a distance, haven’t really got going at all.

Luckily for them, it’s only 1-0. Rashford’s goal, his 28th of the season, the difference at the break.

20:47 , Matt Verri

45 mins: A Brentford shot! Cross whipped in, and he flicks it well over the bar. At least it’s something for the Bees to get excited about.

Two minutes added on. Now 12-1 in terms of shots.

20:46 , Matt Verri

44 mins: A better spell for Brentford, but they lose it and United fly forward on the counter.

Antony slides in Rashford, sits Pinnock down but the angle is very narrow by the time he gets a shot away. Comfortable for Raya.

20:43 , Matt Verri

42 mins: McTominay flies in on Jensen, doesn’t get the ball despite his attempts to convince the referee otherwise.

Earns a yellow card too, joining Shaw, who has been brought off, in the book.

20:42 , Matt Verri

41 mins: Believe it or not, Antony has had another effort.

Again it’s a volley from the edge of the area, blocked this time. He’s persistent, got to give him that. Brentford continue to offer no threat at all, the pressure on them is constant.

20:41 , Matt Verri

40 mins: Antony continues his tactic of shooting on sight, he’s getting further away from scoring with each effort though so might want to stop soon.

It’s contagious. Rashford now from a tight angle, deflected wide for a corner. United have had about 400 of these so far.

20:39 , Matt Verri

38 mins: Shaw is indeed now off, straight down the tunnel.

Antony meanwhile very nearly produces a wonderful second goal for United after being picked out by Rashford, but the volley is fired just wide.

20:37 , Matt Verri

36 mins: Looks like United are going to make an early change. Malacia is getting ready to come on, sounds like Shaw could have a bit of a hamstring issue.

Hasn’t gone down and United in no rush to kick the ball out, but Shaw will be coming up shortly.

20:35 , Matt Verri

33 mins: Not far off 80% possession for Man United. Brentford haven’t had a single shot.

Ten Hag’s side completely dominant and they have the lead their performance deserves. Brentford could really do with half-time, which isn’t a great place to be with a little over half an hour played.

20:32 , Matt Verri

31 mins: United straight back on the attack and pushing for a second, the hosts well on top and Brentford struggling to cope.

Fernandes in space, looks to fire a cross toward the back post but just got too much on it.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:31 , Matt Verri

Marcel Sabitzer showed real intelligence there for the goal. He knew that Rashford was offside from Antony’s original lofted ball but that he would be back onside by the time the ball reached him.

The Austrian simply nodded the ball sideways to the England international, who did the rest. Merited lead for United.

GOAL! Man United 1-0 Brentford | Marcus Rashford 28'

20:29 , Matt Verri

Another United attack, another United corner. Sabitzer drives forward, Sancho and Shaw combine and Brentford just about scramble the ball behind.

Comes to Antony, floated back in. Nodded down for Rashford and he hammers home past Raya! United lead.

20:27 , Matt Verri

25 mins: Jensen opts not to swing this into the United box, short to Henry instead. He then lumps it forward, straight out for a goal kick.

These set pieces have been absolutely woeful from Brentford. Something to discuss as play is paused for those observing Ramadan to break their fast.

20:25 , Matt Verri

24 mins: Pressure really building on Brentford now. Antony does what Antony does, cutting inside onto his left foot and looking to bend a shot into the far corner.

Idea is right, execution not quite there. Just wide with Raya scrambling.

At the other end, Shaw catches Toney late as he slides in, first yellow card of the match.

20:22 , Matt Verri

21 mins: As close as United have come.

Dalot slides Antony in down the right, cut back finds McTominay and he fires an effort over the bar. Very decent chance for a man in impressive goalscoring form.

20:20 , Matt Verri

19 mins: Sabitzer brought down in a dangerous position, this could be trouble for Brentford. Fernandes, Sabitzer and Rashford standing over it looking very interested.

It’s Sabitzer... off the wall and over the bar. Surprised he got the nod for that.

20:19 , Matt Verri

17 mins: Brentford not really having any of the ball, but that won’t bother them too much.

For all United’s possession, they haven’t create anything yet. Rashford very quiet too in the opening 17 minutes or so.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:17 , Matt Verri

The risk with playing two strikers as the counterattacking team is that you can end up with two players alienated from their teammates for large parts of the game instead of just one.

Brentford have that predicament with Toney and Mbeumo here. Neither is getting much of a look-in yet.

20:14 , Matt Verri

13 mins: Henry lobs a ball over the United defence, Mbeumo is briefly interested but Martinez sees it behind for a goal kick.

Decent chance that for Mbeumo though, a better touch and he was in. Brentford’s best moment so far.

20:12 , Matt Verri

10 mins: Fernandes whips a cross into the box, Dalot of all people has popped up at centre forward but it’s intercepted before he can head home.

Brentford then make a bit of a mess of things, Henry heading the ball behind for a corner under no pressure. Shaw swings it in, Pinnock heads it away.

Back in... yet another corner coming.

20:08 , Matt Verri

7 mins: Dalot pings a pass straight out of play, Jensen strolls over and it will be a long throw into the United box.

Or not. Thrown back to Raya on the halfway line instead. He lumps it long, straight into De Gea’s arms. Sure the Brentford centre-backs who strolled up really appreciated that.

20:06 , Matt Verri

5 mins: Another United corner coming up, Brentford cannot get out.

Shaw takes it short, combines with Fernandes. Played back to Dalot, who floats a long ball into the box and it’s headed out. Fair to say that routine needs a bit of work.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

20:05 , Matt Verri

Slightly nervous start from Brentford here in the opening exchanges. Manchester United really penning them in near their own box.

That said, it was similar when Brentford went to the Emirates in February, and they still managed to take a 1-1 draw off the league leaders that day.

20:05 , Matt Verri

3 mins: That would have been very, very special. But it’s not.

Shaw drives out of defence, through midfield and all the way to the edge of the Brentford box. Space opens up for the shot, but he slips just as goes to pull the trigger.

20:03 , Matt Verri

2 mins: United straight on the front foot from kick-off, Dalot tries his luck from distance and the shot is deflected behind for a corner.

Headed out, Antony resists the calls from the crowd for him to shoot from all of 40 yards out. For the best.

KICK-OFF!

20:01 , Matt Verri

Up and running at Old Trafford!

19:57 , Matt Verri

Brentford kept United waiting in the tunnel for an age, but eventually they emerge.

Teams are out - kick-off coming up in the next few minutes.

19:54 , Matt Verri

Players will very shortly be out onto the pitch at Old Trafford.

Man United have been absolutely brilliant at home for much of the season, but Brentford have a habit of delivering against the biggest sides.

It’s almost time to find out what we have in store tonight...

Not long now!

19:47 , Matt Verri

Elsewhere in the Premier League...

19:43 , Matt Verri

West Ham host Newcastle tonight, as the Magpies look to back up their brilliant win over Man United on Sunday.

They’re on 50 points, as are Ten Hag’s side. Newcastle have much the better goal difference. Both are fancied to finish in the top four this season, with games in hand over the teams around them.

Dom Smith at Old Trafford

19:33 , Matt Verri

This is just the 17th meeting between the sides. Manchester United were oh-so-memorably hammered 4-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium in the reverse fixture back in August.

But United won both matches pretty comfortably last season, and they have lifted the EFL Cup since that 4-0 demolition job eight months ago.

Chance for the Bees?

19:27 , Matt Verri

Ten Hag’s pre-match thoughts

19:22 , Matt Verri

“Jadon [Sancho] is making good progress. He is creative and I think that’s what we need. They can defend in the low block when it is really compact in that block.

“We need players who can create something with dribbles, with movements, with moments and thinking outside of the box. Jadon can do it, Antony, Marcus [Rashford] and also Marcel Sabitzer as well.

“Brentford are a great team and they are doing really well. I admire them and how they play. We have to win and have to find a way to win.”

Bees taking look at the pitch...

19:14 , Matt Verri

Weghorst dropped to bench

19:08 , Matt Verri

Just one change for United. Weghorst does indeed drop out of the starting lineup, but it’s not Martial who comes into the side. The Frenchman is on the bench once more, as Sancho starts and Rashford moves into a central role up front.

Fred also named among the substitutes, as McTominay and Sabitzer get the nod in midfield again.

One change too for Brentford, Roerslev in for Hickey. Baptiste on the bench as he returns from suspension.

Brentford team news

19:03 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Raya, Roerslev, Jansson, Pinnock, Mee, Henry, Damsgaard, Norgaard, Jensen, Mbeumo, Toney.

Subs: Hickey, Schade, Dasilva, Wissa, Jorgensen, Ghoddos, Strakosha, Baptiste, Stevens.

Man United team news

19:01 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, McTominay, Sabitzer, Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford.

Subs: Lindelof, Maguire, Martial, Malacia, Fred, Weghorst, Pellistri, Wan-Bissaka, Butland.

Team news up next...

18:53 , Matt Verri

Just under five minutes until we get all the team news from Old Trafford.

Casemiro and Eriksen still out for United, so the big decision for Ten Hag is whether to go for Weghorst or Martial up front.

Frank meanwhile has a fairly settled Brentford squad to choose from, not expecting too many surprises from the visitors.

Ten Hag backs Weghorst

18:45 , Matt Verri

Erik ten Hag has defended Wout Weghorst from recent criticism.

Gary Neville recently insisted that the striker was “not good enough” for Man United, though admitted Weghorst was still contributing to the team despite the lack of goals.

“I also saw another comment from Gary Neville when he reflected on the performance of Wout and that with Wout we are quite successful,” Ten Hag said.

“And I think that is the evidence, so that is what I can say about that. I am happy with him because he is doing a great job for this team.”

Shaw: United want much more

18:38 , Matt Verri

Man United want “much more” success after ending their trophy drought under Erik ten Hag, Luke Shaw has insisted after signing a new contract at Old Trafford.

The left-back, 27, has committed his future to June 2027 having nailed down his spot in the Red Devils line-up, and is set to make his 250th appearance for the club tonight.

“Nine years ago, I signed for this amazing club, and I’m thrilled to be extending my stay,” Shaw told the club website.

“I’ve grown immensely since coming to Manchester all those years ago, both as a person and as a player; I know what is needed to succeed at a club like this.

“We’re at the beginning of our journey under the manager and his coaching staff. We’ve been successful already this season, but we want much more.”

Last time they met...

18:30 , Matt Verri

Safe to say Brentford have some good memories of facing United!

Second match of the season, they absolutely thumped Ten Hag’s side. That feels like a long time ago, but still plenty the Bees can take from that display.

Eriksen nearing return

18:23 , Matt Verri

Christian Eriksen has made his return to Manchester United training as he nears an end to his long injury lay-off.

United have been without Eriksen since January 28, when the Dane suffered a serious blow to his ankle in the FA Cup win over Reading.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s clash with Brentford, Erik ten Hag confirmed the latest step in his comeback.

“He’s returning to the pitch,” said the manager as he announced that Eriksen will not be fit to face his old club.

“He’s returning to team training today, so we have to see how quickly he can make progress.”

Stage is set!

18:16 , Matt Verri

Frank: This could be our toughest game of the season

18:09 , Matt Verri

Tonight’s visit to Old Trafford could be the Bees’ “most difficult game of the season”, according to manager Thomas Frank.

Brentford — on the league’s most modest transfer budget and wage bill — have enjoyed another impressive campaign, occupying ninth place and pushing for a European berth.

“We are potentially going into the most difficult game of the season,” Frank said. “We are going away to the biggest away ground, with those fans, against a very good side that are much more stable. Erik ten Hag and his staff have done a very good job. They’ve just won their first trophy and they are fighting for a Champions League spot.

“They lost [to Newcastle 2-0 on Sunday] so they will want to bounce back. Plus, we beat them last time, so they’ll doubly want to bounce back.

“They will be showing unbelievable determination, and their skillset is absolutely frightening when you look at the players they have in their squad. It will be difficult but we believe in ourselves that we can do something.”

Hosts arrive at rainy Old Trafford!

18:03 , Matt Verri

Standard Sport prediction

17:57 , Matt Verri

The Red Devils have struggled of late and come up against a Bees team that really wallopped them earlier in the season.

Nonetheless, they should respond to a rocket up their backsides from Ten Hag and Martial’s potential return the starting line-up could help propel them to victory.

Man United to win, 2-1.

Brentford team news

17:51 , Matt Verri

Shandon Baptiste is back from a suspension for Brentford, who will continue to miss Kristoffer Ajer, Vitaly Janelt and Keane Lewis-Potter.

Thomas Frank’s key decision could be whether to line up with a back four or stick with the back five from the weekend which has regularly featured against the more dangerous opponents this season.

Predicted Brentford XI: Raya; Jansson, Pinnock, Mee; Hickey, Dasilva, Norgaard, Jensen, Henry; Mbuemo, Toney.

Man United team news

17:44 , Matt Verri

Man United are not set for any injury reprieves this week with Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen still among those absent, altough the Dane is back in training. Casemiro is suspended once again.

Anthony Martial may be fit to make a first start on his latest comeback from a hip complaint amid criticism of Wout Weghorst. Aaron Wan-Bissaka may return from illness.

Predicted Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Sabitzer; Pellistri, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial.

How to watch Man United vs Brentford

17:36 , Matt Verri

TV channel and live stream: In the UK, the game will not be televised having been rearranged from the date of the Carabao Cup final.

Live blog: You can still follow all the action right here with us!

Good evening!

17:30 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester United vs Brentford!

Erik ten Hag’s side were beaten by Newcastle last time out, making it three matches without a Premier League win, and that momentum they had a month ago has definitely stalled. Brentford will certainly not be easy opponents either.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm BST from Old Trafford.