Three Manchester United players were singled out for praise by BBC pundit Chris Sutton during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford.
United started the game slowly but never really got hold of the tempo in the first half, ultimately struggling to find the decisive finish.
The best chance in the first half fell to Alejandro Garnacho as far as United can be concerned as he came closest to scoring with an effort to force Brentford’s goalkeeper into a save.
Controversy struck when officials forced Matthijs de Ligt off the pitch just before a defensive corner, which Brentford took advantage of by scoring moments before the half-time whistle. Diogo Dalot was guilty of sloppy defending but it didn’t help that our biggest centre-back had been asked to go off for third or fourth occasion.
United responded brilliantly in the second half, with Garnacho equalising early on and Rasmus Hojlund sealing all three points with a composed finish minutes later.
Manchester United trio praised
There were several standout performers in the second half as United dominated.
Chris Sutton felt three players were worth singling out this evening, especially the two goalscorers and how they took their chances in front of goal.
The former Scotland former singled out the display from 36-year-old Jonny Evans, who he described as a “rock at the back” to the BBC, after he won four of his five duels on top of four clearances in the game.
Evans boasted a 92 per cent pass success rate.
“He was brilliant in his last game and he’s so dependable. Brentford have hardly had a shot in this second half.”
Speaking on the goalscorers, Sutton added: “The first goal from Alejandro Garnacho was wonderful and then Rasmus Hojlund with a clever finish.
“That’s the best way to do your talking. That’s the level they need.”
If Bruno had ‘kneed’ someone the way de Ligt was, he would have been red-carded; nay doot aboot tha’
That aside, some of the football United can play is delightful: sweeping cross field passes unerringly picking out their man. Beautiful.
And as a long-time Red, can I just say how wonderful it is that Jonny Evans is again playing for us, and not only that, but playing well and being MOTM on occasion. Forza Jonny!
Couldn’t agree more.