Manchester United completed a remarkable comeback win against Brentford in stoppage time on Saturday, but it was telling that two key players had been substituted by Erik ten Hag.
Some will argue Scott McTominay’s injury-time brace only papers up the cracks after yet another disappointing performance at Old Trafford.
The Reds had trailed 1-0 going into the third minute of stoppage time, but two goals from McTominay sealed the win.
McTominay was only on the pitch for a mere 10 minutes.
After going in at half-time 1-0 down, Ten Hag made a number of attacking changes in the second half. The introductions of Christian Eriksen, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and McTominay were signs of a manager desperately pushing for a win.
Rashford was hooked not long after the hour mark and Casemiro was replaced before the second half kicked off.
It will come as a concern for Rashford after being replaced in three consecutive matches. Ten Hag will hope that he can get back to his best soon because his 30 goals went a long way last term.
Meanwhile, Casemiro is another player struggling for form. He has not replicated the performances he showed last season and was partly to blame for Brentford’s only goal.
It’s a worrying downturn from the former Real Madrid midfielder.
“I wanted more football,” Ten Hag said when asked why he took off Casemiro for Eriksen. “One who brings passing, distribution, link-up play. So I thought bring Christian Eriksen for Case.”
It proved to be the right decision and it will be interesting to see if Ten Hag makes any drastic changes to his team when the players return from international break.
United face Sheffield United and Copenhagen before the Manchester derby.
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