Ten Hag refused to give up UCL qualification after Man Utd draw with Brentford

Erik ten Hag refused to give up on Champions League qualification after Manchester United dropped points in a desperately one-sided draw at Brentford.

Mason Mount almost staged a classic smash and grab when he scored his first goal for United in injury-time after Ten Hag’s side had been comprehensively outplayed, but Brentford hit back through Kristoffer Ajer.

United were lucky to take a point but they still lost ground on Aston Villa and Tottenham in the race for a top-four finish – although fifth might also be enough to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Villa are 11 points ahead of United in fourth after beating Wolves, although they have played one more game. Spurs are eight points clear in fifth after coming from behind to win at Luton.

However, Ten Hag still believes United can be in Europe’s elite competition next season, which could go a long way to deciding whether new co-owners Ineos decide to keep him in the job.

‘We will keep fighting,’ said the United boss. ‘It can be very good point in the end. There are still many games to go but of course the points will be more expensive by the end. There should have been three, but now it's only one by the end we will know how it can work out, but it can be a big point at the end.’

Two weeks after a rousing FA Cup win over Liverpool, United were flat as they were outplayed by a Brentford side who could easily have repeated their 4-0 win at Gtech Community Stadium last season. They hit the woodwork twice and Ivan Toney had a goal disallowed for offside.

‘We didn't deserve to win but we showed resilience all through the game,’ added Ten Hag. ‘But in points of aggression, Brentford were better. We should show more passion and desire in many moments in the game. But