The Scotland international was the most unlikely of heroes as the Red Devils pulled off an improbable comeback win after a dire overall display

As Alex Ferguson once said: "Football, bloody hell". On the day Old Trafford paid tribute to Ferguson's late wife Cathy, Manchester United pulled off the type of epic comeback they became famous for under the legendary Scottish manager.

And this time the hero was a Scotland international: Scott McTominay. The midfielder had only come off the bench in the 87th minute and his entrance looked like a desperate move from Erik ten Hag, who was on the verge of becoming the first manager to lose three games in a row at Old Trafford since Matt Busby in 1962.

But it proved an inspired change as McTominay pulled United level in the 92nd minute then headed home a Harry Maguire cross in the 96th minute, sending a disbelieving Old Trafford wild.

The win was all the harder to digest as United had played so poorly. They had given away a soft goal by Mathias Jensen after sloppy giveaway from Casemiro and a botched clearance by Victor Lindelof. Even leaving aside that poor goal, they had looked utterly void of belief and inspiration.

But McTominay, a boy made in United's academy, saved the day. And he may have saved Ten Hag's job as well.

GOAL rates Man United's players from an ecstatic Old Trafford…

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Andre Onana (5/10):

Made a real mess of the goal but made a couple of good saves in the second half.

Diogo Dalot (5/10):

One of very few players who looked like they could do something in attack.

Victor Lindelof (4/10):

Uncomfortable at left-back but it was from his usual position that he scuffed a clearance straight back to Brentford for the goal.

Harry Maguire (5/10):

Made his first league start of the season and looked shorn of confidence even though he didn't actually play that badly and set up the winner.

Jonny Evans (5/10):

Didn't do anything particularly bad but an obvious downgrade on the injured Raphael Varane.

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Mason Mount (5/10):

Worked hard but had very little tangible impact. His set-pieces were poor and could barely get a shot on goal or make a decent cross.

Casemiro (3/10):

Cumbersome in possession and lethargic out of it. Gave the ball away for the goal and could barely keep hold of it. Deservedly hooked at half-time.

Sofyan Amrabat (4/10):

Made his first start in midfield after getting progressively worse at left-back. Didn't offer much of an improvement.

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Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

At least showed desire and offered some hope of a goal. Forced 'keeper Thomas Strakosha to make two fine saves.

Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

A huge drop off from Tuesday's striker's masterclass. Mistimed a first-half header which proved to be his only real chance.

Marcus Rashford (4/10):

His worst performance of the season. Didn't create even a hint of danger and looked utterly lost. Taken off for the third game in a row.

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Christian Eriksen (6/10):

An improvement on Casemiro and his passing gave the team some grip in midfield.

Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):

Showed his usual fighting spirit and gave the team some much needed spark. Helped set up the equaliser.

Antony (6/10):

Battled and ran hard but as usual had no end product. His every touch was booed by Brentford fans.

Anthony Martial (6/10):

Gave Hojlund support for the final 20 minutes.

Scott McTominay (10/10):

Only came on in the 87th minute but saved the day. Twice.

Erik ten Hag (7/10):

His substitutions paid off at last and he enjoyed his best comeback win of his two seasons in charge.