Three observations as Manchester United beat Brentford: De Ligt is a warrior

Manchester United got back to winning ways in the Premier League this evening with a 2-1 victory over Brentford.

Thomas Frank and his Brentford side were delighted to hold the lead at half-time, but the Bees took advantage of the fact Matthijs de Ligt had been asked by an official to go off. They scored a header from a corner in the aftermath.

Alejandro Garnacho equalised with a superb volley after a cross-field pass from Marcus Rashford. The win was sealed in the 62nd minute when Rasmus Hojlund scored his first Premier League goal of the season, courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes assist.

Here are three things we learned in the 2-1 win over Brentford.

Alejandro Garnacho needs to be more clinical

I know Garnacho scored United’s first goal and got things moving in our direction, but he needs to be taking advantage of defenders more, especially in front of goal. The Argentine got into some good positions and could have added himself another goal or two.

It was Garnacho’s fifth goal of the season as he continues to be United’s most prolific goalscorer. We just want him to be more prolific.

Rasmus Hojlund with one of his best performances yet

The Dane not only grew into the game as it went on, he showed why he is starting in games over Joshua Zirkzee to score his second goal of the season. His excellent finish was exactly what United needed and it lifted an enormous amount of pressure off Erik ten Hag’s shoulders.

Matthijs de Ligt will put his head where you wouldn’t put your foot

Our Dutch centre-back is as hard as nails.

The officials and medical team may have had a nightmare with his open cut/stitches, but De Ligt played like a warrior in the heart of United’s defence.

He took a serious knock to the head in the first half which resulted in blood and a painful-looking wound.