Marcus Rashford scored the one aim with a superb half-volley as Manchester United beat Brentford 1-0 within the Premier League at Outdated Trafford on Wednesday to climb above Tottenham Hotspur and again into the highest 4.
The victory was an ideal response following a disappointing 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United on Sunday and lifted the Purple Devils to 53 factors, three forward of fifth-placed Spurs and degree with the Magpies in third.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)
United began brightly, forcing a collection of corners and free kicks as Brentford pulled their outfield gamers behind the ball to attempt to shut down house, and when the breakthrough got here within the twenty seventh minute it was from one other set-piece.
A Brentford clearance from a nook solely made it as far winger Antony on the sting of the field. He lofted it in the direction of the top of Marcel Sabitzer, and Rashford met the Austrian’s bouncing knockdown with a luxurious half-volley that gave David Raya no likelihood to register his twenty eighth aim of the season.
David de Gea nearly gave Brentford a lifeline early within the second half when his free try at a clearance cannoned into the onrushing Ivan Toney, ut fortunately for the United keeper the ball bounced to security.
The United keeper was referred to as into motion once more within the 67th minute when substitute Kevin Schade collected a cross from Toney and ran at him, however the keeper stood agency to deflect the shot.
Manchester United might have sealed the sport within the eightieth minute as Rashford broke down the left and squared to Fred, however the Brazilian blazed the ball excessive over the bar with the aim at his mercy.
Brentford poured ahead within the closing levels, however the closest they got here to scoring was an audacious try at a chip from Toney that drifted harmlessly over the bar as the house facet held on.
In search of a top-four end that may give them a crack at Champions League soccer subsequent season, Rashford mentioned consistency could be key for United because the Premier League heads into its ultimate section.
“We’re in that interval of the season the place each recreation is necessary and each recreation counts, so we’re happy to win,” Rashford mentioned.
“The necessary factor is at all times to win the following recreation — everybody is obvious that we aren’t going to play our greatest each week, however there’s by no means a time to drop our requirements and we’ve to maintain attempting to push one another each week,” he added.