Manchester United defeated Brentford 1-0 in a spirited triumph at home to get back on track in the Premier League.
After losing to Newcastle United on Sunday, Erik ten Hag was eager for Manchester United to bounce back against Thomas Frank's Brentford at Old Trafford.
The United manager selected a starting lineup that hardly altered. Jadon Sancho was substituted for the 6'6" attacker Wout Weghorst, who was dropped to the bench.
Bruno Fernandes versatility pays off again
Ten Hag was confronted with a significant midfield conundrum due to notable absences from players like Casemiro and Eriksen.
The United gaffer decided to use Fernandes, who is naturally a playmaker, in a much more unfamiliar deeper position as a solution to his issue in the center of the park.
The Portuguese were excellent in this capacity because he directed play and sought to bring about results.
Fernandes set the pace of the match against Brentford for significant stretches of time and made sure that things went in the Red Devils' favor.
The 28-year-old has experience playing in the number 10 spot as well as on the left and right sides of the offense. Fernandes has always performed admirably, and he did so once more against Brentford.
This season, Ten Hag has praised Fernandes' leadership skills and his availability to the squad on numerous occasions.
When given relatively new duties, the United captain did not let his manager down. The midfielder's adaptability and flexibility are unquestionably serving the Reds well.
Anthony Martial shows Wout Weghorst how it's done
Although the Frenchman was substituted in for Jadon Sancho in the second half after being deemed insufficiently fit to open the game.
According to Ten Hag during his news conference, the United number nine made a difference in how he helped the team maintain possession of the ball better and advance.
The player's incredible link-up play, which is a major strength of Martial, was on full show for everyone to see. He even squatted down to catch the ball and pass it to the flanking assailants.
Ten Hag was justified by Martial's brief appearance against Brentford. The 26-year-old should be able to finish the season effectively if he stays healthy.
Weghorst's struggles in front of goal may make Martial crucial to United as the season closes out.
Manchester United back in top four
With a game left to play, Manchester United's victory puts them three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.
Although Newcastle also won tonight, this was a significant win, keeping Erik Ten Hag's side in fourth place on goal differential.
Once more, United came back from a setback with a victory, and Erik ten Hag will be happy with the his team display to win a challenging game.
This weekend's early game against Everton at home will help them solidify a place in the top four while Tottenham takes on in-form Brighton.
Marcel Sabitzer stakes his claim to a permanent contract
Depending on the game, opinions on whether Marcel Sabitzer should have a fixed contract vary. It's safe to say that his performance in this game helped his case.
With a deft headed ball in a crowded penalty area, Sabitzer assisted Marcus Rashford's opening goal.
From Sabitzer's challenging position, many players would have tried to head at goal, but he displayed great awareness to direct the ball down into Rashford's path.
He had a strong game, playing a more advanced role than he did in the defeat to Newcastle, and his physicality was exactly what United's midfield required against a shaky Brentford team.
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