Erik: This must be the turning point
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United's remarkable late comeback against Brentford at Old Trafford could mark a key turning point in the Reds' season.
United were a goal down in the third minute of injury-time, with Mathias Jensen's first-half goal leaving us glaring at the prospect of a third straight defeat at home - and a seventh in all competitions already this season.
But Scott McTominay pounced to score in the 93rd and 97th minutes, giving the Reds all three points in a frantic finale which almost raised the roof at the Theatre of Dreams.
Here is Ten Hag's take on a dramatic finish, with quotes taken from interviews with MUTV and various broadcasters...
What Erik told the players after Brentford win
Erik ten Hag shares his pride in United's spirit, before telling us what his message to the players was at full-time...
A TURNING POINT?
“This must be the turning point. This reflects our season so far from the start of a game. It has to be that you believe and you see the fans believe: they are sticking together. They are behind us and they kept us going. But then we have a plan and that is the big compliment for the team. They kept the plan. They kept switching. And from there on in the right moment, you bring the ball in the box. And of course we had to make and bring more players in the box. And I think that's what we did the last 30 minutes and then you get rewarded in the end.”
CUTTING THE MISTAKES
“It can always be better, but it can't happen that you give a goal and then you follow facts and always we will talk about the result and I think there were some good spells, I'm sure. But I look back, I have seen some good spells for good stretches also with tempo in the game, with creating chances and controlling the game over a long period. Definitely. But once again, when you give so easily a goal away, we can't do it at our level. We have to do better and you have to take more responsibility and you have to be accountable because otherwise it's difficult to win games.”
MCTOMINAY BLEEDS UNITED
“You know with Scott you get drive and energy on the pitch. He can make a goal, he can arrive and his willingness is very strong. His feeling for this club is very strong, he plays with all his heart. He will always defend the colours of this club.”
BE MORE CONSISTENT
“I think the fans see that everyone is giving his best. But you have to do it always and we can't switch off in moments in the game. So we have to be more consistent in the attitude and that approach. And when we get that, I'm sure this team will get success.”
Absolute scenes!
GalleryScott McTominay's last-gasp winner produced crazy celebrations and some truly epic images - view them here.
FIGHTING FOR EACH OTHER
“After all the setbacks we have, it’s not easy for a team in the dressing room. You see they’re connected and they will fight for each other. We have to do it always. We really made it an issue after the defeat against Galatasaray where we let each other down in certain occasions. It can’t be. When you play a game, you have to be in it for 95 or 100 minutes.”