Blood and injustice: How Manchester United got ‘mad' and back to winning ways

### Manchester United's Fightback Fueled by Controversy and De Ligt's Resilience

A day after facing speculation over his future, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag found his team channeling their sense of injustice into a spirited comeback. At a press conference prior to facing Brentford, Ten Hag criticized the media narrative surrounding his position, likening journalists to storytellers.

Despite the win against Brentford, United faced challenges, particularly an incident with Matthijs de Ligt, a key Ten Hag signing from their Ajax days. Early in the match, De Ligt's accidental clash with Kevin Schade's knee left him with a bleeding head wound, compelling him to leave the field repeatedly for treatment, affecting United's defense during a crucial moment.

De Ligt watched from the sidelines as Ethan Pinnock scored the opening goal for Brentford. United's frustration peaked at halftime, fuelled by what they felt was an injustice and spurring a second-half response. Critical plays by Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund turned the match in United's favor.

Reflecting on De Ligt's leadership at Ajax, Ten Hag's trust in the player remains evident. De Ligt's determination to continue playing, despite injury, echoes the character traits that earned him the captaincy under Ten Hag. United's performance after halftime showcased player commitment, and Ten Hag's strategic decisions, including starting Casemiro and Christian Eriksen alongside Bruno Fernandes, proved effective.

Though recent victory provided relief for Manchester United and its manager, consistent top-level performances are essential for a prosperous tenure at the club.