Erik ten Hag called on his Manchester United players to be like “robots and machines” to get back on track in the race for a top-four place.
But it was goal machine Marcus Rashford who once again came to his side's rescue, plundering his 28th goal of the season to take United back up into fourth spot. Rashford's predatory first-half finish proved the difference, as Ten Hag's side overcame stubborn opponents to avenge their 4-0 defeat at Brentford at the start of the season.
After that humiliating defeat, Ten Hag made his squad run 14km the following day in the August heat – the distance Thomas Frank's side had out-run United's players. Yet there was no shortage of application or desire on this occasion, qualities United's players had to show in abundance to secure a vital win in the battle to secure a Champions League place.
After their abject 2-0 defeat at Newcastle three days earlier, Ten Hag had called on his players to show the hunger and desire that had been so sorely lacking in that capitulation. Ten Hag made one change from the side beaten so comprehensively by Eddie Howe's top-four chasing side, Jadon Sancho coming in for Wout Weghorst.
Weghorst's demotion to the United bench ended a run of 19 consecutive starts for the on-loan striker since his arrival at Old Trafford in January. The visitors arrived at Old Trafford in ninth place, having lost just once in their previous 10 Premier League games, with a European spot firmly within their sights.
United's bid for a top-four place had unravelled in recent weeks, with three wins in their last nine Premier League games seeing them slip down to fifth position. Ten Hag's side went into the game without a goal in 299 minutes of Premier League football, stretching back to Sancho's strike in United's 3-0 win over Leicester on February 19.
The home side dominated the early stages, putting their opponents under pressure, Ben Mee needing to be alert in the 10th minute to clear a Bruno Fernandes cross intended for Diogo Dalot. United came close to taking the lead in the 20th minute, Antony's cross met first-time by Scott McTominay, whose superbly-struck effort from just outside the area flew just over the bar.
Moments later, Antony cut inside onto his favoured left foot and curled a shot that went beyond the reach of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, but also past his right-hand post. United's opener duly came in the 28th minute, Antony slinging the ball into the Brenford area, Marcel Sabitzr nodding it down for Marcus Rashford to sweep a first-time finish into the roof of the net.
The goal was a deserved reward for United's sustained dominance and ended a run of 326 minutes without a league goal for Ten Hag's side. England left-back Luke Shaw, making his 250th United appearance a day after signing a new four-year contract, was forced off with an injury in the 36th minute, replaced by Tyrell Malacia.
Brentford pushed for an equaliser after the break and came close to one when Ivan Toney charged down a delayed goal-kick from David De Gea, the ball going wide of the United goal.
McTominay made two vital blocks in succession, the latter to keep out a goal-bound effort from substitute Shandon Baptiste, as the Bees stepped up the pressure on United.
Moments later, De Gea came off his line quickly to deny another sub, Kevin Schade, who was through one-on-one with the United keeper, but came off second best.
United saw out the win and now turn their attention to Saturday's visit of Everton, where victory will see them stretch their advantage to six points over fifth-placed Tottenham.
