“Can’t buy it. You can’t buy it!”
Manchester United were so revved by their two injury time goals against Brentford – turning a 1-0 disaster into a much-needed 2-1 win – that their players embarked on a spontaneous lap of honour. Scott McTominay had only played nine minutes but had pulled the club from crisis in that short cameo.
Odd, one might think, for a team that had climbed to only ninth in the table after struggling to beat a team that has not won in the league since August. This has been a wretched start to the season for United, though, and any crumbs are being devoured.
Against Brentford, on Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford, they were dreadful again. André Onana was partly at fault for another goal, with the United defence taking the rest of the blame. That goal was scored early enough, though but the hosts were awfully flat. Flatly awful, too.
Casemiro, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford were all below par – to name just a few – and while Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho again added some second half spark, off the bench, United looked set for their fifth league defeat of the season. Erik ten Hag was looking frustrated and forlorn, over on the sidelines, until two punching bags came up big in the final moments.
Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire and (right) Man United celebrate. (Credit: Getty)Scott McTominay the hero
Two minutes into injury time, Alejandro Garnacho took on two players, got to the byline and cut the ball back. Thomas Strakosha saved the first effort on the Brentford goal but the ball rebounded to McTominay, who controlled and finished low.
Then, in the last attack of the game, a free-kick was pinged into the box, Harry Maguire headed on – for the assist – and McTominay glanced home the winner. These were desperate times and the leaky Old Trafford roof nearly came off when that winner was scored.
McTominay, who made that ‘Can’t beatt it!’ remark as he basked in the post-match applause, later told Premier League Productions, “That might be one of my favourite moments on a football pitch. Two goals at the death was incredible, but I am just happy to be able to contribute and show people that I can do it.”
Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire have both struggled for meaningful minutes this season, and may not last at United beyond this season, but this was their day. A day to pick themselves up off the canvas and remind people they can still mix it at this level. Asked if there were ‘any nerves’ around pushing for a winner, after such a late equaliser, the Scot was bang on with his answer.
“No nerves. Just never give up no matter the situation. At this football club it is demanded that you never throw the towel in, for me I have been brought up here since I was five, I know that better than anyone.”
Just a reminder to all those that have taken cuts at the guy that he has been a part of Manchester United for the past 21 years and both lives and breathes it.
With United, at present, this could be the spark or it could be a bright spot in a long, dark stretch. That’s how unpredictable they are.
No-one would have predicted an impromptu lap of honour after just eeking past Brentford at home. And yet, this is where they are.
Related links:
- Roy Keane explains why he “never fell out” with David Beckham
- Roy Keane tells David Beckham that he regrets not leaving Man United
- Tom Cleverly explains “mouthful” of a text message Roy Keane sent him
