Ralf Rangnick credits improved second-half performance for Manchester United’s win over Brentford
According to the club’s official site, Ralf Rangnick believes Manchester United enjoyed a game of two halves in their Premier League clash against Brentford.
The Red Devils were far from impressive in the first half and struggled against an inspired Bees side who looked up for the game. While we may have gone in at halftime one goal to the good thanks to Anthony Elanga, the performance was far from desirable.
Rangnick admits that changes were needed at half-time in order to set things right. It appears to have worked as the Red Devils showed more intent and prowess in the second half. Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford both found the back of the net to lead the Red Devils to a 3-1 win.
“Obviously we had to change a few things and the first half we were not good in almost all aspects of the game – sloppy passing, not strong enough in the 50/50 situations, and we gave away almost every second ball.”
The Red Devils boss believes his club’s urgency in the second half helped make a difference. Man United closed down Brentford deep in their own half and looked tactically more aware after the break. They did a better job of closing down passing channels and took up the right positions when on the counterattack.
“In the second half, we were more urgent, we were attacking them higher up the pitch, we were taking the right positions when we were on the counterattack, and we scored. This was the big difference.”
While Ivan Toney did pull one back for Brentford late on, there would be no collapse from us this time around. The three points could go a long way in helping us secure Champions League football for next season.
Rangnick also went on to praise two Manchester United stars for the role they played in the win. Both David de Gea and Scott McTominay were sensational on the night.
The Spanish goalkeeper was on hand to keep Brentford at bay in the first half. He appears to have rediscovered his best and long may it continue. McTominay meanwhile returned to the starting lineup and displayed the leadership and zeal he brings to the middle of the park.
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The win was Man United’s 300th away victory in the Premier League. A historic feat, it is perhaps fitting that all the scorers on the night were from the club’s academy. The win now takes us to within two points of West Ham United who are in fourth place, with us having a game in hand.
