Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory over Brentford, moving closer to a Champions League return. They are now just two points away from guaranteeing their spot in next season's competition.
Key points
Manchester United beat Brentford 2-1
United are close to returning to the Champions League
They are just two points away from guaranteeing their spot
Michael Carrick is the interim boss
Mentioned in this story
Michael Carrick
Manchester UnitedBrentford
Manchester United are within touching distance of returning to the Champions League after beating Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick benefitted from clinical finishing in the first half and wastefulness from the visitors to secure three points despite a nervy ending courtesy of a Mathias Jensen stunner.
The result means United are just two points away from guaranteeing their return to Europe's elite competition next season as their interim boss nears his target when brought into the club in January.
Harry Maguire returned to the starting XI for Manchester United, partnering Ayden Heaven in the heart of defence
Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro returned to the bench, but Matheus Cunha missed out with a hip flexor injury
Brentford remained unchanged from the team who drew 0-0 with Fulham
A fast start to proceedings had United fans scratching their heads as to how they weren't in front inside the opening two minutes. Kobbie Mainoo's incredible solo run teed up Amad Diallo from close range, but the Ivorian's effort was cleared off the line by Sepp van den Berg.
Q&A
How did Manchester United perform against Brentford?
Manchester United won 2-1 against Brentford at Old Trafford.
What does Manchester United's win mean for their Champions League hopes?
The victory puts Manchester United just two points away from securing a return to the Champions League next season.
Who is the interim boss of Manchester United?
Michael Carrick is the interim boss of Manchester United.
What was the score of the Manchester United vs Brentford match?
The final score was Manchester United 2, Brentford 1.
Related Articles
Sports
US great Felix targets LA Olympics in comeback
Allyson Felix, Olympic legend, targets a comeback for the 2028 LA Olympics at age 40.
BBC Sport··1 min read
NFL
Buccaneers signal long-term faith in defensive anchor
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have exercised the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, securing his contract through the 2027 season. This decision reflects the team's confidence in Kancey's potential as a key player in their defensive lineup.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Feature
Here’s another chance to get tickets to LA’s 2028 Olympics
Don't miss your chance to get tickets for the LA 2028 Olympics! Sign up before July 22.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
UNC guard officially re-signs with program for 2026-27 season
Jaydon Young officially re-signs with UNC for the 2026-27 season, enhancing the backcourt.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
NFL 2026 offseason key remaining dates: Full team-by-team OTAs and minicamp schedule, plus more to watch for
Check out the key dates for the NFL 2026 offseason, including rookie minicamps!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Yellow-and-blue top Maccabi Haifa to maintain title hopes
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Amad misses big chance.
Amad fails to convert after sublime Kobbie Mainoo run
The hosts didn't have to wait long to take the lead though. Some uncharacteristically poor set-piece defending from Brentford saw Casemiro head home yet again at the back post to continue his fairy tale ending at Old Trafford.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Casemiro scores for Man Utd.
Casemiro headed home for Man Utd against Brentford
Casemiro standing out at both ends
With 11 tackles, Casemiro broke the season record for the most in a Premier League game this season.
The Bees responded in positive fashion and could have easily scored a handful of goals if not for a combination of Ayden Heaven, Senne Lammens and Igor Thiago's finishing costing them.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Brentford chance.
Brentford spurned a flurry of chances to level against Man Utd.
United reminded them how to be clinical in front of goal just before the break as Fernandes set up Benjamin Sesko to double the lead. It was Fernandes' 19th Premier League assist of the campaign - one away from the record set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Man Utd second.
Benjamin Sesko scores Man Utd second against Brentford
Carrick switched to a back three at the break to bring a stop to the end-to-end nature of the first half. While it gave United less of an attacking impetus, it stemmed the flow of Brentford's threat for the most part.
The Bees should've found the net as Dango Ouattara somehow hit the post from a couple yards out with a weak header.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Dango Ouattara was denied by the post as Brentford searched for a way back against Manchester United.
By the time they did breach the United defence, it was too little too late as Jensen smashed home a brilliant effort from distance in the 87th minute to restore some late hope for the visitors.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Jensen scores.
Mathias Jensen scored from distance to pull a goal back for Brentford against Man Utd
In the end, the Red Devils held on to move 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton to edge closer to a Champions League return. Brentford, meanwhile, remain in ninth, two points behind the Seagulls and a spot in next season's Europa League.
