Manchester United and Erik ten Hag have finally restored a glimmer of hope among their fanbase after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. In a season that has seen its fair share of ups and downs, this narrow win was essential not just for the points, but for the morale of the team and the supporters alike. Facing a daunting schedule ahead, securing all three points in this fixture was crucial to maintaining momentum. Erik ten Hag, understanding the weight of the occasion, made key tactical adjustments at halftime that reinvigorated his squad, shifting the dynamics in United’s favor.
The introduction of young Argentine sensation Alejandro Garnacho was a turning point in the game. His energy and creativity ignited Manchester United’s attack, breathing life into what had been a somewhat stagnant first half. Soon after, Rasmus Hojlund capitalized on the momentum, scoring the crucial goal that gave United the lead, which they fiercely protected for the remainder of the match. Though several players contributed significantly to this victory, it was Garnacho who truly stood out, making an impact that extended far beyond his offensive contributions.
Top Performer – Alejandro Garnacho
It’s no shock that Alejandro Garnacho was once again the star of the show. The young Argentine was a livewire throughout the match, constantly posing a threat down the flanks and tormenting Brentford’s Sepp van den Berg with his pace and trickery. His tireless efforts paid off with a well-deserved goal, but it was his all-around performance that left a lasting impression. Garnacho’s willingness to track back, support his defense, and chase down loose balls, in addition to his attacking exploits, showcased his growing maturity as a player.
What sets Garnacho apart from many of his peers is his fearless attitude. He’s unafraid to take on defenders one-on-one, often leaving them flat-footed with his quick feet and sudden bursts of acceleration. In a match where United needed inspiration, Garnacho delivered, not only by scoring but by relentlessly driving the team forward, even in difficult moments.
This is far from the first time Garnacho has been Manchester United’s standout player this season, and it’s certainly not going to be the last. His consistency and versatility have made him a key figure in Ten Hag’s setup, to the point where he’s now one of the first names on the team sheet, right alongside captain Bruno Fernandes. Ten Hag’s trust in Garnacho is evident, and the young winger is repaying that faith with performances that belie his age.
United may have stumbled through parts of this season, but in Garnacho, they have a jewel—a player with the potential to become a superstar in the years to come. Despite the early challenges in his career, including some off-field controversies, Garnacho has matured under Ten Hag’s guidance. The manager deserves immense credit for managing the youngster’s development carefully, ensuring he remains focused on his football. If Garnacho continues in this vein, he will undoubtedly be the “Biggest Winner” in several more games this season.
Biggest Loser – Joshua Zirkzee
On the flip side of the coin, Joshua Zirkzee finds himself in a less enviable position. While it was always expected that Rasmus Hojlund would be Manchester United’s first-choice striker, Zirkzee had an opening to stake his claim during Hojlund’s absence due to injury. The Dutch forward showed early promise with a goal on his debut against Fulham, raising hopes that he could provide valuable depth for Ten Hag’s side. However, since that initial bright moment, his form has taken a noticeable dip, and his struggles were on full display against Brentford.
Zirkzee came on as a substitute for Hojlund with the team in full control, giving him a golden opportunity to make a significant impact. Unfortunately, he failed to capitalize on that chance, missing a clear opportunity to score—a frustratingly familiar sight for United fans. His overall performance was marred by misplaced passes, poor dribbling decisions, and a lack of chemistry with his teammates. While Hojlund has quickly adapted to United’s style of play, Zirkzee still seems out of sync, often looking unsure of his role within the team’s tactical setup.
Part of Zirkzee’s struggle appears to stem from the physicality and intensity of the Premier League. Though his link-up play has shown glimpses of promise, it’s clear that he has yet to fully adjust to the speed and demands of English football. Unlike Hojlund, who can impose himself on a game regardless of the team’s form, Zirkzee seems to need a more cohesive unit around him to shine. His skill set, while valuable, isn’t fitting seamlessly into the current needs of the squad.
At this stage, it might be more beneficial for Zirkzee to focus on improving through European competitions, where the pace is slightly different, and he can regain some confidence. United’s upcoming match against Fenerbahce in midweek could offer him the perfect platform to do just that. In European games, where the opposition may not be as physically demanding as in the Premier League, Zirkzee could find the space and time he needs to rediscover his form and prove his worth to Erik ten Hag.