Key Takeaways
- Manchester United are now just two points away from qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
- Goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko gave Michael Carrick’s side an important victory at Old Trafford.
- Brentford missed several clear chances to score during an open and entertaining match.
Manchester United took a big step towards a top-four finish after beating Brentford at Old Trafford. The win moves them closer to a return to the Champions League.
Interim manager Michael Carrick has improved the team since taking charge. His players are performing well at the crucial stage of the season.
The home side started fast and nearly scored in the opening minutes. Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ran forward with the ball and passed to Amad Diallo. The winger was very close to the goal, but he hit his shot against defender Sepp van den Berg.
United scored the first goal from a corner kick. Bruno Fernandes sent the ball deep into the box. Harry Maguire headed it back across the goal, and Casemiro jumped high at the far post to nod the ball into the net. The Brazilian kissed the club badge as he celebrated his ninth league goal of the campaign.
Brentford responded with strong attacks and created several chances. Keane Lewis-Potter found space on the left wing and crossed the ball, but Igor Thiago failed to connect in front of the open goal. Thiago later wasted another clear opportunity when he delayed his shot too long.
Just before half-time, United scored their second goal. Fernandes led a quick break and passed to Benjamin Sesko. The striker shifted the ball onto his right foot and smashed it past the goalkeeper. This assist was Fernandes’s 19th in the Premier League this season.
After the break, United changed their tactics. Noussair Mazraoui replaced Diallo and slotted into a three-man defence. Brentford continued to press forward, and Thiago hit the crossbar with a header. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens also made good saves to deny the visitors.
Harry Maguire showed great bravery in defence but suffered an injury after a heavy collision with Thiago. Brentford scored a late consolation goal when Mathias Jensen fired home from 20 yards, but United held on for the three points.
The victory keeps United in the race for third place. They face champions Liverpool at Old Trafford next Sunday in their next crucial clash.