Man united unsung hero vs brentford gave ten hag the response he wanted

There has not been much positivity at Manchester United so far this season, but the dramatic weekend win over Brentford was certainly one, even if the overall performance was lacking. It was

a match that epitomised the very spirit of United. Even when they looked down and out, they found an improbable ability to defy the odds by fighting until the very end and snatching the

most unlikely win. The moment belonged mostly to Scott McTominay for his heroics from the bench. In his short time on the pitch, he touched the ball just four times; two of them to put it

into the back of the net. READ NEXT: SUPERCOMPUTER PREDICTS FINAL PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE TEAM NEWS: UNITED INJURY ROUND-UP AND RETURN DATES McTominay deserved his moment in the spotlight when

he is so often unsung. He is the type of unglamorous utility player that would have been priceless under Sir Alex Ferguson, the modern equivilant of Nicky Butt, Park Ji-Sung, or Darren

Fletcher. He wasn't the only one to silence his many critics on Saturday, either. While there is certainly a place for McTominay as part of a wider squad, a similar rotational role

doesn't quite match the ambitions of Harry Maguire. The 30-year-old has only made four club appearances this season but will once again represent his country this week, testament to the

huge faith that Gareth Southgate has in him despite his ongoing club struggles. It is quite clear Maguire does not fit in with Erik ten Hag's tactical vision for the club, but while he

might lack the technical finesse demanded of his club manager, he demonstrated at the weekend what he can offer any side. Maguire was arguably the unsung hero of the win, with a pretty

impressive performance that saw him make key contributions to the match at either end of the pitch. He was the centre-back who stood strongest against the Brentford attacks, and it was his

superb awareness combined with steely strength that set up McTominay's crowning moment. It is testament to Maguire's self-belief that he chose to fight for his place at United this

summer when it seemed so certain his time was up, a level of confidence that is often used against him when times are tough. In the long run, his future might be best served at a club where

he is better appreciated and plays more often, but the England international is determined to ensure that is a decision he makes himself rather than one he is forced into. He also deserves

credit for the manner in which he has responded to losing the captain's armband as well as his regular place in the side, with his performance against Brentford proof of the value he

could yet bring to a Ten Hag team. He is also evidence of the good that can come from dropping a key player from the starting line up at a time when there are growing calls for both Casemiro

and Marcus Rashford to be taken out of the firing line. There were no complaints when Maguire lost his place because of poor performances on the pitch, but by the same logic, he will

deserve a starting place if his performances remain at such a level. The true test of their credentials is not the success they enjoy when they are on top, but how high they bounce back when

they hit the bottom. Maguire has endured the lowest lows; now he deserves credit for his role in making Saturday feel like such a high.