Negotiation is essential in both personal and professional life, affecting everything from business deals to family matters, salaries, and purchasing decisions. Regardless of the situation, the way you approach negotiation can have a significant impact on the outcome. Whether you're negotiating with a colleague, supplier, or even in a personal relationship, one of the most effective frameworks to navigate these discussions is the Harvard Negotiation Method or Principled Negotiation . Developed by Roger Fisher , William Ury , and Bruce Patton at the Harvard Negotiation Project, the method is designed to help negotiators reach fair and mutually beneficial agreements without resorting to tactics like manipulation, pressure, or positional bargaining. The approach is grounded in four key principles: Separate the People from the Problem Focus on Interests, Not Positions Generate Options for Mutual Gain Use Objective Criteria In this article, we'll break down these core principles, ...
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, Manchester United finally broke their month-long winless streak with a vital 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. This much-needed win lifted the Red Devils to 10th in the Premier League standings, relieving some pressure off manager Erik ten Hag, who had been under increasing scrutiny due to recent poor results. The victory was hard-fought, with key contributions from young talents Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund, who both got on the scoresheet, ensuring that United bounced back after conceding an early, controversial goal.
Brentford initially took the lead in first-half stoppage time. The visitors capitalized on a moment of confusion when United were reduced to 10 men due to a bizarre incident involving Matthijs de Ligt, who had to leave the pitch to receive treatment for a bleeding head wound. Seizing this opportunity, Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock headed home from a corner, giving the Bees a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
United, though down, came out after the break with renewed determination. Just two minutes into the second half, Alejandro Garnacho brought the home crowd to life. The young Argentine forward latched onto a perfectly timed cross from Marcus Rashford and, with calm composure, slotted the ball into the far corner from a tight angle. Garnacho’s goal not only equalized the score but also shifted the momentum firmly in United’s favor.
The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Bruno Fernandes, displaying his creative brilliance, backheeled a slick pass into the path of Rasmus Højlund. The Danish striker, who has been one of United’s standout players this season, showed his class with a delicate chip over Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, sending Old Trafford into rapturous celebrations. Højlund’s goal was his sixth of the season, and it highlighted his growing importance to the team.
Despite Brentford’s efforts to claw their way back into the game, United’s defense held firm, ensuring they secured their first win in over a month. The victory moved them to 11 points after eight matches, providing much-needed breathing room in the standings and easing the weight on Ten Hag’s shoulders. Brentford, meanwhile, sits just behind United in 12th place, with 10 points from eight games.
The win wasn’t just about points for United. It symbolized a much-needed mental and tactical reset, as the team had struggled with inconsistency throughout the early stages of the season. With Garnacho and Højlund stepping up alongside the leadership of Fernandes, United’s attacking intent is finally beginning to click, much to the relief of their fans.
This result may not signal a complete turnaround for the Red Devils, but it offers a glimmer of hope that they can build on this momentum in the coming weeks. For Ten Hag, the result brings temporary relief from the media scrutiny, though the pressure will remain for consistent performances. United will now look ahead to their upcoming fixtures with renewed confidence, knowing that the talents of Garnacho and Højlund are capable of producing match-winning moments when needed most.
As for Brentford, they will be disappointed with the result, particularly after taking the lead at Old Trafford. However, they can take heart from their overall performance, which showed resilience against a United side desperate for a win. Brentford will aim to bounce back in their next match as they continue to push for a place in the top half of the table.
This victory marks a significant step forward for Manchester United as they seek to turn their season around, and with stars like Garnacho and Højlund rising to the occasion, the Red Devils may yet find their way back into contention for higher league positions.
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