Manchester United were fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.

The hosts dominated the visitors, hitting the woodwork five times, while Ivan Toney’s second-half goal was ruled offside.

Mason Mount scored in the sixth minute of added time, but Kristoffer Ajer equalised a few minutes later.

United deserved nothing from the game, and their performance was little superior than that of last year, when they were defeated 0-4.

Rasmus is off-color

United’s strikers had little chance with the ball, as the Bees were far and away the more attacking club, and Rasmus Hojlund regularly cut a dejected figure up front on his own.

He only had 40 touches with the ball and completed 13 of 18 passes, finishing with a passing accuracy rating of 72 percent.

Thomas Frank played three at the back, and the Dane did not look at ease, and he still needs to improve his play with his back to goal.

He won just one out of ten ground duels and one out of six aerial duels. He also did not make a single successful dribble (numbers from Sofascore).

With both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho struggling, the Danish international had little chances to put the opponents under pressure.

He had a great opportunity to score from a Bruno Fernandes assist, but he failed. He made one critical pass during the game.

Brentford forwards demonstrate how it is done

With Brentford winning so many set pieces, Hojlund was forced to defend in the box, where he made five clearances and conceded four fouls.

The former Atalanta player clearly needed assistance, but Ten Hag had no one to turn to with Anthony Martial still out.

Hojlund still has a lot to learn, especially when playing against a physical defensive unit, and the way Brentford’s frontmen work together should be something this squad strives to emulate.

Yoane Wissa and Toney held on to the ball repeatedly under pressure, bringing others into action while connecting brilliantly.