Man United's victory was fueled by the handling of Matthijs de Ligt – Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has admitted Manchester United were excited for their second-half comeback against Brentford after being “upset” by the circumstances surrounding the visitors’ controversial opening goal.

United needed second-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund to come from behind to win 2-1 – their first win in six games in all competitions.

United were fuming as they went into the break 1-0 down after Ethan Pinnock scored from a corner and Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch with a head injury requiring treatment.

It was the third time a bleeding De Ligt had been sent off the pitch and Brentford took advantage.

“It was dry blood, so he was already treated for the injury,” Ten Hag said.

“I didn’t understand why he was sent off. I went to Matthijs and he said: 'It's dry blood and I have to get out, I don't know why.' It was a big moment because Brentford are very good at corners and you miss one of their best headers.”

United assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy received a yellow card for his protests and his argument with fourth official Gavin Ward continued in the tunnel until half-time.

Ten Hag's side were far better in the second half and the Dutchman showed that the perceived injustice surrounding Brentford's goal had helped bring out the best in his players.

“Definitely we were angry at halftime,” he said.

“You see the solidarity, the fighting spirit and the determination to score goals. The stats show we are playing good football (this season) and not scoring enough goals, but today we scored two brilliant goals.”

United's win will ease the pressure on Ten Hag ahead of Thursday's game against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce. After finishing 14th in the table at the international break, they are now in the top half, three points behind the top six.

“The pressure is always there,” said Ten Hag. “We have to win every game and when you are 1-0 down you have to see how we can turn the game around. We felt the injustice and used that as fuel. I really enjoyed the performance.”