Man United vs Brentford

Rashford fires Man United back into top four with win over Brentford

Manchester United climbed back into the Premier League's top four with a narrow 1-0 win over Brentford at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Marcus Rashford scored the only goal of the game in the 27th minute, heading in a cross from Marcel Sabitzer after a corner was not cleared by the visitors.

The result ended a three-match winless run for United in the league and moved them above Tottenham on goal difference, with both teams on 53 points. Brentford remained ninth, three points behind sixth-placed Brighton.

A tense affair

The game was a tense affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. United had more possession and shots, but Brentford defended well and looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

Rashford had the best opportunity of the first half, when he latched onto a through ball from Antony and rounded David Raya, but his shot from a tight angle hit the side-netting. Brentford's best chance came just before half-time, when Mikkel Damsgaard curled a free-kick just wide of the post.

The second half was more open, with both teams pushing for a goal. United had a couple of chances to double their lead, but Raya denied Sabitzer and Fred fired over the bar. Brentford also had some opportunities to equalise, but David de Gea made a crucial save to keep out Kevin Schade, who was clean through on goal.

The key stats

Rashford's goal was not only important for the result, but also for the stats. Here are some of the key numbers behind his goal:

- Rashford has scored 28 goals in 45 appearances for United this season, averaging a goal every 1.6 games. He has scored more goals than any other player in England's top four divisions.

- Rashford has scored 15 goals in 29 Premier League games this season, averaging a goal every 1.9 games. He has scored more Premier League goals than any other English player.

- Rashford has scored six headers in all competitions this season, more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues.

- Rashford has scored eight goals in 13 games under Erik ten Hag, averaging a goal every 1.6 games. He has scored more goals than any other player since ten Hag took charge of United in January.

- Rashford has scored five goals in seven games against Brentford in all competitions, averaging a goal every 1.4 games. He has scored more goals against Brentford than any other opponent in his career.

Rashford the difference

The difference between the two sides was Rashford, who scored his 15th Premier League goal of the season and his 28th in all competitions for his club. The England forward showed his predatory instincts to get on the end of Sabitzer's cross and nod it past Raya.

Rashford has been United's most consistent and prolific scorer this season, and his importance to the team was highlighted by manager Erik ten Hag after the game. "He is a fantastic player and a fantastic person," ten Hag said. "He works hard every day and he always wants to improve. He is a leader on and off the pitch."

Rashford has also been praised for his off-field work, especially his campaign to end child food poverty in the UK. He was recently awarded an MBE for his services to vulnerable children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

What next?

United will hope to build on their win over Brentford when they face Sevilla in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next week. The Spanish side are currently fourth in La Liga and have won their last six games in all competitions.

Brentford will look to bounce back from their defeat when they host Southampton in their next league game. The Saints are currently 14th in the table and have lost their last four games in all competitions.