Erik Ten Hag: Manchester United showed what was missing at Newcastle in win over Brentford

Erik ten Hag was pleased to see Manchester United return to the standards he demands in Wednesday's narrow Premier League win against Brentford.

Sunday's meek 2-0 defeat at top-four rivals Newcastle led the players to have a frank discussion in the St James' Park dressing room following what Luke Shaw called an "unacceptable" display.

Ten Hag agreed with the left-back that the Magpies had more determination, passion and desire in a result that United bounced back from three days later at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford's first-half strike proved the difference in a 1-0 victory over the Bees - a night that may not live long in the memory but provided a much-needed shot in the arm.

"Very important win I would say," boss Ten Hag said. "Of course, when you lose after the international break, you have to bounce back, so we did and I think it was a good performance as well.

"In the second half when we didn't get a second goal it was more of a battle, but then saw the determination, the passion and the desire that I missed on Sunday.

"I think this is the standards we have to bring in every game. It's not acceptable what we did on Sunday. We know that. This is not United, this is not the standards from United, so, yes, there were several things I was happy with."

This was only Brentford's second defeat in 17 top-flight matches and United's fourth win in 10 Premier League games - a result that propelled Ten Hag's team back into the Champions League places.

"You see the approach is changing from all the teams when you go to the end," Ten Hag said.

"The points are more expensive in the end (of the season) but that demands also a certain mentality and when you don't bring it on the pitch you get beaten in the Premier League.

"When one or two