Man Utd go fourth as Rashford goal beats Brentford

Marcus Rashford scored his 28th goal for Manchester United in all competitions this season

Manchester United climbed back into the Premier League's top four by overcoming Brentford at Old Trafford.

It took United back above Tottenham in the race to qualify for the Champions League, and was the response manager Erik ten Hag needed following Sunday's defeat at Newcastle.

Brentford, who are chasing European qualification, lost for only the second time in 17 Premier League matches.

Scott McTominay and Antony went close before Rashford finished from close range, with a headed assist by Marcel Sabitzer, after the Bees failed to deal properly with a corner.

Brentford, flat for large parts of the first half, were much better after half-time and United were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Home goalkeeper David de Gea needed treatment after making a crucial save to keep out substitute Kevin Schade.

United are level on 53 points with third-placed Newcastle - and three ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham, who have played one more game than their rivals.

Brentford stay ninth - three points behind sixth-placed Brighton, having played two more games than the Seagulls.

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Nervy Man Utd secure the points

Manchester United had a eight-point cushion on fifth spot after defeating Leicester on 19 February but Sunday's defeat - coupled with Tottenham's draw at Everton on Monday - left them outside the top four for the first time since December.

Manager Ten Hag recalled Jadon Sancho in an attempt to provide the team with more energy yet United were hanging on towards the end against a Brentford side that grew in confidence.

Sabitzer tested David Raya after half-time while Fred blazed another opportunity over the bar but United were forced to endure several nervous moments before full-time after failing to add to their tally.

De Gea's save from Schade was a huge moment in the game, the Spaniard keeping his composure to thwart the Brentford player who was clean through with only the keeper to beat.

Questions will remain about United's over-reliance on Rashford for goals but Ten Hag will hope United will build on their first Premier League win since winning the Carabao Cup.

Season to remember for Bees

Brentford have spent the past few months making a mockery of second-season syndrome.

Having finished 13th last season following promotion from the Championship, the Bees are just three points away from equalling last season's tally of 46 points - which secured them 13th spot - despite defeat at Old Trafford.

They followed up their 4-0 thrashing of United in London on 13 August with statement wins over Manchester City and Liverpool and they so nearly came close to snatching a point here only for De Gea to produce the save of the game.

Thomas Frank's side entertain in-form Newcastle - 5-1 winners at West Ham - next but it is a testimony to the efforts over the past eight months that they are still in with an outside chance of Europe at the business end of the season.

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