Manchester United unsung hero vs Brentford gave Erik 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.

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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