Erik ten Hag names his Man of the Match as Man Utd win 1-0 vs Brentford

Erik ten Hag has named Bruno Fernandes as the best player during Manchester United’s 1-0 win against Brentford on Wednesday evening.

The victory at Old Trafford lifted The Reds back into the Premier League’s top four.

With both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen still unavailable, Fernandes was tasked with a deeper role in this encounter.

Despite playing alongside Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay in the engine room, United’s no.8 was often the deepest midfielder for the hosts.

Fernandes ended the game with 114 touches and 83 completed passes at a completion rate of 87 per cent. He’s often criticised for his scattergun approach with the ball but was much smarter whilst in possession against The Bees.

Defensively the Portuguese was sound and he had an important role in the build-up for United; playing 13 of his passes into the final third.

Whilst Marcus Rashford was the match-winner for The Reds, Ten Hag stated that Fernandes was the standout on the night.

“Rashy’s performances are outstanding,” said the United boss. “What he is doing, that is great. But, for me, the best player on the pitch was Bruno Fernandes. By far. I think he dictated the game from the start until the end.”

In a separate interview, Ten Hag reiterated his appreciation for the midfielder: “Bruno was a little bit deeper and I think he was brilliant today. For me, the best player on the pitch. He dictated the game and led us to the win.”

United will now turn their attention to the upcoming league fixture against Everton.

The Toffies will be travelling to Old Trafford and Ten Hag’s side will be confident that they can continue their impressive home form against the relegation-threatened side.

With no losses at the Theatre of Dreams since September, Ten Hag is happy that their home is a place to be feared again; but hopes his side can begin to improve their away form.

“We’re happy with that [Old Trafford being a fortress] but it shows that we can do it, we can bring that performance. Now we have to do this in away games,” added the Dutchman.

“So we have to work on our character and personality to do it. In home games we show personality and character but away we can’t always bring it on the pitch.”