Erik ten Hag says Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Brentford must represent a “turning point” in the club’s season.
Substitute Scott McTominay struck twice in added time to spare United another defeat at Old Trafford following last weekend’s woeful loss to Crystal Palace.
Ten Hag’s side have started the season poorly, losing four of their opening eight Premier League games, and the United boss says their late victory over the Bees must be the start of an improved rest of the season.
“It summed up, a little bit, our season,” ten Hag said.
“With such easy giveaways, you get punished in top football. We have too good players to act like this.
“This has to be a turning point but also it has to be a restart, because we have to get to higher levels.
“The spirit is good, the belief is good, so the team is together. We have shown that and we have shown strong character.
“It can be the turning point in the season for us but it’s up to us.”
McTominay has found game time hard to come by at United in recent weeks but ten Hag says the midfielder has a key part to play this season.
“That’s why he’s here,” ten Hag said.
“He’s one of our midfield players. Against Burnley he played and against Crystal Palace he should have played but then he was ill.
“He came out of the team and then others took over, but he, as everyone, is fighting for his position. Of course, it helps when you contribute like this afternoon.”
