Erik ten Hag's reaction echoed by Man Utd chiefs as Brentford win provides relief

The relief around Old Trafford at the final whistle was palpable.

boss Erik ten Hag applauded the Stretford End as he strode off the pitch, giving fans there a thumbs-up and a defiant fist pump, mouthing “thank you” for their loyal support.

In the directors' box, United CEO Omar Berrada matched clenched fist reaction, while director of football Dan Ashworth puffed out his cheeks to underline the significance of the win.

United had waited 35 days for a victory, and while it only nudged them up three places to 11th, the importance of the triumph and its potential impact cannot be overstated.

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For Ten Hag it was vindication, after United's worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, that his players are capable of producing vibrant, attacking performances that ultimately yield victory.

When United can play like this, with a swagger and style befitting the famous badge on the shirt, it makes it puzzling why they have served up such turgid dross in the opening stage of the season.

United's front three of , Alejandro Garnacho and Ramus Hojlund dazzled, the latter two scoring and the former providing an assist and a display underpinned by a formidable work ethic.

At the back, a bloodied Matthijs de Ligt and the ever reliable Jonny Evans produced a defensive masterclass, the win providing United and Ten Hag with a platform to build on for the rest of the season.

The challenge now, starting with Thursday's encounter away to ex-United boss Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in Istanbul, is to ensure this win is not another false dawn but the start of their revival.

For Hojlund, a first league goal of the season – a coolly executed chip over Brentford keeper Mark Flekken – vindicated the hard work he put in after a hamstring injury in pre-season ruled him out for two months.

“It was very, very nice to get my first goal in the Premier League,” said Hojlund. “Obviously, the injury was annoying and it was an annoying time to get it, but I feel great now and ready to move on.

“I tried to focus on the fact that I'm very privileged to be a professional footballer. Obviously, there's downsides and upsides and we get critics, but also sometimes we are superstars.

“All in all, I'm living the dream every day. I'm playing for Manchester United, and having the number nine on the back for Manchester United, so it's a good life.

“I just tried to focus on that part, and also I could focus on everything else instead. Trying to be even fitter for when I come back, doing my recovery even better. I think I'm in a great spot right now.

“I try to do better every day. I think that's the mindset I'm always trying to do. I don't think too much about this and that. I'm only trying to focus on going on the training pitch every day and focus on becoming better.

"I know I've been in those moments a lot of times, even in the youth team or whatever. So I know what to do in these sort of moments. But obviously, it's a great start and I want to keep going.

“Every time you win and the forwards score goals, it gives a lot of confidence to the team. But in the end, it's about winning and I think that's what we need to focus on.”

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