Erik ten Hag reveals two second half changes that inspired Man Utd comeback
Erik ten Hag has detailed the two changes his Manchester United team made in the second half that inspired their 2-1 comeback win against Brentford.
Heading into the game winless in five games, Ten Hag’s side were in need of a result but fell behind to Ethan Pinnock’s header on the brink of halftime.
However, second-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund saw the Red Devils claim a vital win to stop the rot and ease the pressure on their under-fire boss.
It was a much-improved display from the hosts after the break, with Ten Hag revealing his side made two subtle changes which contributed to their changing fortunes in the second half.
‘We defend very well as a team, we have four clean sheets in the Premier League and it shows the organisation is very good,’ the Dutchman said.
‘We’ve created lots of chances, coming into the right spots, but the conversion was not of the level we can expect. Today, we did everything right and you see we have players who can finish high-quality chances.
‘In the second half, there were slight changes, we fill the pockets and have better intensity for the counter-press. Also, the first half wasn’t bad, and we had some good moments, and some good chances, but didn’t score.
‘In the second half, we scored and everyone is happy.’
Ten Hag was pleased, in particular, with his side’s two well-worked finishes.
‘The cross from Rashy [Marcus Rashford] was brilliant and it was a brilliant finish from Garnacho,’ he said.
‘For the second goal, the pass from [Christian] Eriksen, the flick from Bruno [Fernandes] and the finish from Rasmus, it was so beautiful. Of course, we’re happy Rasmus is back as we miss his goals.’
But the Dutchman was also keen to ensure that his side don’t get ahead of themselves after one good performance.
‘It’s great but don’t overrate it,’ he said. ‘It is just a win. At United, you have to win every game.
‘You have to win the next game and the game after, you have to win as well. If you don’t win, everyone is criticising us, every time. So enjoy it for 24 hours and then move on.’
United travel to Turkey in midweek to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League before returning to league action against West Ham.
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