Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick's calls for 'control' were still unanswered in a shaky first-half performance at Brentford on Wednesday. United relied on David de Gea to produce another array of close-range saves to stay level at half-time, and Cristiano Ronaldo's actions after the whistle were telling.
The Red Devils returned to winning ways in the Premier League, running out 3-1 victors at the Brentford Community Stadium.
After surviving the first half by the grit of their teeth, Rangnick's side enjoyed a rampant 20-minute spell after the break.
Anthony Elanga latched onto a sublime Fred pass to head the visitors ahead on 55 minutes before Mason Greenwood doubled the scoring seven later.
Marcus Rashford ended his frustrating run in front of goal 13 minutes from full-time, as Ivan Toney netted a consolation strike after United failed to clear a troubling long throw.
Ronaldo complaining to Marriner about some challenges going unpunished. Has a point but pretty desperate behaviour after another listless half from #mufcpic.twitter.com/SXrZLrGV7q
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Whilst his protests were somewhat justified, it had a scent of desperation about it on a night where a 3-1 win seemed miles off.
The watchword of Rangnick's first press conference as Red Devils boss was 'control' following the hectic 3-2 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.
He said: "Football, for me, is to minimise the coincidence factor and have control and gain control of a game. This is football, what it's about.
"The way that they played for 20 minutes [in the second half] in their half when they close down Arsenal in their box and then you could see the potential that is in the team.
Ralf Rangnick was visibly frustrated at full-time. (Image: GETTY)
"I think to gain control on games in the future has got to do with playing proactively, no matter if we have the ball ourselves or if the other team is in possession of the ball.
"It's about helping the team to play together, It's not about playing pressing or counter-pressing for pressing sake, it's about control. This is the major target."
But for all their first-half possession - 68 per cent to be precise - United weren't convincing, something that must change if they are to contend for a top-four spot this term.
Saturday presents their toughest test of 2022 so far, as David Moyes and West Ham United travel to Old Trafford for a proper six-pointer.