“We know…” – Erik ten Hag sends clear warning to one Man United star after Brentford win

Erik ten Hag has sent a clear warning to one Manchester United star following their win against Brentford on the weekend.

The Reds claimed a 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday afternoon, despite trailing at the end of the first half.

Second-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund sealed a vital three points for Erik ten Hag’s team.

There were several notable performances, with Jonny Evans and Garnacho receiving recognition for their displays.

Rasmus Højlund also had a great performance up front, with his well-taken finish being the cherry on top of a solid game. His hold-up and linkup play were both excellent.

The Danish forward has scored two goals in three starts since returning from injury.

Ten Hag sends clear warning to Zirkzee

While Højlund excelled against The Bees, Joshua Zirkzee struggled when he replaced the 21-year-old midway through the second half.

Zirkzee failed to capitalise when the ball fell close to him inside the box and was not able to find his feet in the Old Trafford game.

The Dutch international has struggled in front of goal since his debut strike against Fulham and Ten Hag made a clear point about what United have been missing with Højlund out of the team.

United’s manager told reporters that the team were ‘lacking’ the clinical edge that Højlund has in the opposition box – something that could be seen as a warning for Zirkzee.

“He was good [as a target man]. He combined well, and had great link-ups, and that was very important today,” Ten Hag assessed when asked about Hojlund’s performance.

“We know he is clinical, and that is what the team has been lacking in the first weeks of the season.”

Zirkzee will get chance to show improvements

United fans should not judge Zirkzee too harshly so soon, but there is no doubt that the striker needs to improve, especially with Højlund looking sharp now he’s back from injury.

Specific areas of Zirkzee’s game could really help this United team, but he also needs to show more in other aspects – such as his intensity and finishing.

With Højlund likely to be managed fitness-wise in the coming weeks, the 23-year-old will still get a lot of chances to prove himself in the coming weeks.

On Thursday evening, United travel away to face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe in the Europa League and Zirkzee could be set to start that game.

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