United finally end slump as ‘injustice' sparks comeback

Perhaps it took a sense of injustice to spare Manchester United further ignominy.

- RICHARD JOLLY

When the half-time whistle blew, they were losing and losing their rag, Brentford on course for a first win at Old Trafford since 1937, and United set for a third consecutive league defeat at Old Trafford – a fate they had not suffered since 1979.

As it stood, they were the joint lowest scorers in the Premier League, their drought stretching past five hours. The class of 2024 were failing, the class of 2004 fuming. Ruud van Nistelrooy was booked. Darren Fletcher ran after the officials in the tunnel.

Ethan Pinnock’s opener – though actually far less controversial than United imagined – had annoyed their past. Their present responded. The temptation was to call it a much-needed win for Erik ten Hag, though perhaps the scarcity of victories means they all are, but it ended with a first triumph in six games, just a fourth in 12 outings this season. The outstanding Alejandro Garnacho delivered a wonderful equaliser, Rasmus Hojlund a decider to cap a show of spirit.

United’s king of comebacks was absent, Sir Alex Ferguson watching Aberdeen instead. His reign as an ambassador is ending. Ten Hag’s as manager continues. If a fightback offered echoes of Ferguson's heyday, this was far from conclusive evidence that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new hierarchy were right to persevere with Ten Hag when their six-hour meeting in London culminated without a change of management. His United proved unable to defend a corner. They were largely uninspired before the break. There was scarcely the sense this team is primed to go on a winning run.