PLAYER RATINGS: Scott McTominay came off the bench to be Erik ten Hag’s star man against Brentford, while Andre Onana and Casemiro were among those lacking at Old Trafford

• Scott McTominay scored twice in stoppage time as Man United beat Brentford
• It distracted from poor performances from Andre Onana, Casemiro and others
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Scott McTominay scored a stoppage time brace to turn around Manchester United’s fortunes after being a goal behind against Brentford for most of the match.

Mathias Jensen put the visitors ahead at Old Trafford, and with the hosts struggling to convert their chances, it looked like Erik ten Hag’s side were facing a third straight home defeat.

But McTominay came off the bench and was able to strike twice in stoppage time to save Man United’s blushes – and condemn Thomas Frank’s Bees to a cruel defeat.

With Manchester United up against it for most of Saturday’s match, many of their players were not up to the quality expected in the Premier League.

MailSport‘s Nathan Salt provides Manchester United player ratings from their 2-1 win against Brentford:  

Scott McTominay struck twice late on to give Manchester United a 2-1 win over Brentford

The late nature of the victory moved attention away from a poor showing by Andre Onana

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)

Andre Onana – 5

Was brought in by Erik ten Hag because he was capable of playing out from the back and David de Gea, it was deemed, could not. So why he continues to boot it long aimlessly is anyone’s guess. His confidence looks shot to pieces and he really should have done better with Jensen’s goal.

Diogo Dalot – 6.5

Cleared off the line early in the second half following a Brentford long throw and did at least offer some thrust going forward. Had the initial shot that was blocked before McTominay fired in.

Harry Maguire – 7

His first Premier League start since May, Maguire didn’t do a lot wrong. Plenty worse than him in United red on the day.

Jonny Evans – 6.5

Much like Maguire he limited Brentford to very few clear cut opportunities and it was those in front that produced the more puzzling displays. Couldn’t hit the heights at Burnley when he produced a man of the match display, though.

Victor Lindelof – 5

The latest fall guy in this left back roulette that seems to be going on right now. Frequently found himself shuffling inside, maybe force of habit, and Brentford had acres of space to exploit down that side. Went off and went straight down the tunnel which is a concern.

Casemiro – 4.5

September’s Player of the Month can probably write off going back-to-back with October’s gong. This was a difficult watch with Casemiro one of many culpable of errors in the build-up to the opening goal. Looked off the pace and was hooked at half-time.

Casemiro looked off the pace in the first half, and was replaced at the half-time interval

Moroccan Sofyan Amrabat is struggling to influence the game in a positive way for Man United

Sofyan Amrabat – 5

Pushed forward into his preferred midfield position until late on when he was back at left back, the Moroccan is struggling right now to influence the game in a positive way for United.

Mason Mount – 5.5

Started centrally, didn’t have much luck. Went to the right, didn’t have much luck their either. Ten Hag talked Mount up in the build-up about how he is a big part of the ‘project’ moving forward. Key to it will be figuring out if he and Fernandes can actually play together because the jury is out on that so far.

Bruno Fernandes – 6.5

Covers plenty of grass and did test Strakosha with a strike from distance but he is levels below his potential right now. Doesn’t help that, like Mount, he often finds himself shoved out onto the right.

Marcus Rashford – 5.5

Loud cheers when he was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho. Third time in a row he’s been brought off by Ten Hag. Needs to go back to the drawing board in this international break.

Rasmus Hojlund – 6

Not the height of heights when he bagged a brace in midweek. Ultimately he was again starved of service. Snatches at early shots when chances do come but there’s plenty of signs of promise to suggest he will thrive in the months and years to come. Today was just not his day.

It was not Rasmus Hojlund’s day, but he showed promise that better things are coming

Christian Eriksen was booed by the Brentford fans, but offered more than Casemiro did

Subs:

Christian Eriksen (for Casemiro, 46) – 6.5

Came on and leathered a shot that Strakosha spilled but that was about it. Was booed relentlessly on every touch by the away fans. Offered more than Casemiro, the man he replaced, at least.

Antony (for Mason Mount, 62) – 6

Should have come on far sooner than he did. United need an out-and-out winger on the right and with Jadon Sancho down the road at Carrington watching the Under-18s today he’s the only man left.

Alejandro Garnacho (for Marcus Rashford, 63) – 5.5

Got a huge roar from the crowd when he came on – they really want him to succeed in these parts – but the one good chance that fell his way inside the area he couldn’t find the target with. Finds the corner every time in training with that sort of chance, no doubt.

Anthony Martial (for Victor Lindelof, 71) – 5

Dived in the vain hope he could win a penalty and then was rightly deemed offside when he thought he had delivered the equaliser in the 89th minute.

Scott McTominay (for Sofyan Amrabat, 87) – 8.5

Eyebrows were raised when he came on late instead of the more attacking Donny van de Beek or Facundo Pellistri but he delivered the big moments for United with a 93rd minute equaliser and a 96th minute winner. Wow

Manager: Erik ten Hag – 7

It wasn’t vintage but he sent Scott McTominay on and got his reward in spades with a brace from the Scotsman. Has taken plenty of stick but that decision was vindicated and Old Trafford exploded. The relief was palpable in his celebration too.

McTominay’s late introduction raised eyebrows, but he proved to be the difference maker

Erik ten Hag was relieved as he celebrated the win at full-time, having been a goal behind

Thomas Frank’s Brentford were unlucky to be undone by two late goals from McTominay

BRENTFORD (3-5-2)

Thomas Strakosha – 5.5, Mads Roerslev – 6, Nathan Collins – 6, Ethan Pinnock – 7, Kristoffer Ajer – 6, Aaron Hickey – 5.5, Mathias Jensen – 6.5, Vitaly Janelt – 6.5, Christian Norgaard – 6, Yoanne Wissa – 6.5, Bryan Mbeumo – 6

Subs: Frank Onyeka (for Vitaly Janelt, 70) – 6.5, Neal Maupay (for Yoanne Wissa, 70) – 5

Manager: Thomas Frank – 6

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