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Erik ten Hag reveals two second-half changes that inspired Man Utd’s comeback | Soccer

Erik ten Hag reveals two second-half changes that inspired Man Utd’s comeback | Soccer

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag shows appreciation to fans after the Premier League game between Manchester United FC and Brentford FC

Erik ten Hag’s team got a much-needed victory (Photo: Getty)

Erik ten Hag has detailed the two changes his Manchester United side made in the second half that inspired their 2-1 victory over Brentford.

Coming into the game without a win in five games, Ten Hag’s side needed a result but fell behind to Ethan Pinnock’s header on the brink of half-time.

However, second-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund allowed the Red Devils to claim a vital victory to stop the rot and ease the pressure on their coach.

The hosts’ display was much improved after the break, with Ten Hag revealing that his side made two subtle changes that contributed to their second-half change in fortunes.

“We defend very well as a team, we have four clean sheets in the Premier League and that shows that the organization is very good,” said the Dutchman.

“We created a lot of chances, getting into the right places, but the conversion was not at the level we expected. Today we did everything right and you can see that we have players who can finish high-quality chances.

‘In the second half there were small changes, we filled our pockets and we had better intensity for the counterattack. Furthermore, the first half wasn’t bad and we had good moments and some good opportunities, but we didn’t score.

Manchester United's Argentine No. 17 midfielder Alejandro Garnacho celebrates his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Brentford

Alejandro Garnacho was a livewire at Old Trafford on Saturday (Photo: Getty)

‘In the second half we scored and everyone is happy.’

Ten Hag was particularly pleased with his team’s two well-worked finishes.

“Rashy’s (Marcus Rashford) cross was brilliant and it was a brilliant finish from Garnacho,” he said.

‘For the second goal, (Christian) Eriksen’s pass, Bruno’s (Fernandes) shot and Rasmus’s finish, it was so beautiful. Of course, we are happy that Rasmus is back as we missed his goals.’

But the Dutchman also wanted to ensure his team did not rush in after a good performance.

“It’s great, but don’t overdo it,” he said. ‘It’s just a victory. At United, you have to win every game.

‘You have to win the next game and the game after that, you have to win too. If you don’t win, everyone will criticize us, always. So enjoy it for 24 hours and then move on.

United travel to Turkey midweek to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League before returning to league action against West Ham.

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