Man United 2:1 Brentford: Onana Runs Full Length of Pitch to Thank Mc Tominay for Scoring Winner

Man United 2:1 Brentford: Onana Runs Full Length of Pitch to Thank Mc Tominay for Scoring Winner

Rene Otinga
updated at October 7, 2023 at 5:09 PM
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  • Andre Onana had two contasting halves in Manchester United’s win over Brentford
  • The Cameroon international was guilty of letting a tame shot in for the Bees’ opener
  • He however made crucial saves in the second half as United came from behind to claim all three points

Andre Onana will arguably be the most relieved man on the pitch after Manchester United came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford.

In what looked to be another frustrating outing for Erik ten Hag’s men, the Red Devils had to rely on two late goals from Scot McTominay to avoid three home defeats in a row.

Onana, signed from Inter in the summer, was at the centre of talking points in the first half as he was faulted for letting in a fairly tame shot from Brentford’s Mathias Jensen.

Andre Onana
Scott McTominay celebrates scoring the winning goal with team mates Bruno Fernandes, Andre Onana, Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford FC at Old Trafford on October 7, 2023 in Manchester, England. Photo by Joe Prior
Source: Getty Images

Ten Hag made several changes in the course of the second half, bringing the likes of Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Anthony Martial.

However, it was the Scot McTominay, who was brought on with just three minutes of regular time to play, who proved to be the difference as he netted two injury-time goals to turn the game on its head, as cited on BBC.

After United initially had a late goal ruled out for offside, they kept pressing and it eventually paid off as he fired in an equalizer following Kristoffer Ajer’s scuffed clearance.

Onana runs to hug McTominay

With practically the last play of the game, McTominay found himself in the right place at the right time again as he reacted quickest to head in a Harry Maguire flick in the seventh minute of added time, sending Old Trafford into delirium.

There was a huge wave of relief across the stadium, and on the pitch, Onana could not help but appreciate his teammate.

As cited on ESPN, Onana left his goal to join his teammates in celebrations, specifically targeting McTominay with a hug and presumably a word of thanks.

The win takes United one place up the table to ninth, albeit temporarily.

Maguire starts for United, it pays off

Sports Brief also reported on Erik ten Hag’s decision to start Harry Maguire for the first time in the Premier League this season.

Raphael Varane was not in the match day squad, as ten Hag named a back three comprising Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.

Varane joined the growing list of absent Manchester United defenders, as the team is also missing Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon, who are all out through injury.

Maguire ended up being an integral part of the matchday squad as he provided the assist for Scot McTominay’s winner.

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Rene Otinga photo
Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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