Manchester United defeated Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford, with Casemiro scoring the opening goal. The victory brings United closer to Champions League qualification.
Player Ratings: Casemiro shines as Manchester United beat Brentford
Manchester United moved to the brink of Champions League qualification with a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford, a result built on early authority and just enough late resilience.
Casemiro continued his fine scoring run on home soil, rising sharply after 11 minutes to nod in from a tight angle. The move owed much to Harry Maguire, whose header back across goal created the opening. It was a goal that underlined both Unitedâs growing confidence and Brentfordâs vulnerability at set pieces.
Benjamin Sesko then doubled the advantage before the interval, finishing off a precise delivery from Bruno Fernandes. That assist took Fernandes to 19 for the Premier League season, leaving him just one short of the all-time record. The timing of the second goal felt significant, giving United breathing space after a half where Brentford had created chances but failed to convert.
Photo: IMAGO
The final score was Manchester United 2, Brentford 1.
Casemiro scored the opening goal for Manchester United in the 11th minute.
The victory puts Manchester United on the brink of Champions League qualification.
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.
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Man Utd secures a 2-1 win over Brentford, edging closer to Champions League qualification.
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For all of Unitedâs attacking efficiency, Brentford will reflect on missed opportunities. They carved out four clear openings in the first half alone, yet failed to test Senne Lammens with the conviction required at this level.
Dango Ouattara came closest, striking the post from inside the six-yard box early in the second half. It was a moment that summed up Brentfordâs evening, plenty of intent, not enough precision.
Their persistence did eventually bring a goal. Mathias Jensen unleashed a powerful strike in the 87th minute, reducing the deficit and injecting late tension into the contest. However, the equaliser never arrived, with Mikkel Damsgaardâs late header comfortably gathered by Lammens.
This result leaves Manchester United needing just two more points to confirm a return to Europeâs elite competition. Given their current position and remaining fixtures, that objective looks well within reach.
Casemiroâs resurgence has added steel and goals from midfield, while Seskoâs presence continues to offer a focal point in attack. Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat, dictating tempo and delivering in decisive moments.
For Brentford, the defeat dents their European ambitions and extends a frustrating run without a win. Their attacking patterns remain promising, but inefficiency in front of goal is proving costly at a critical stage of the campaign.
Senne Lammens 6
Diogo Dalot 6
Harry Maguire 7
Ayden Heaven 7
Luke Shaw 6
Casemiro 9
Kobbie Mainoo 6
Bruno Fernandes 7
Amad Diallo 6
Bryan Mbeumo 6
Benjamin Sesko 7
Michael Kayode 6
Sepp van den Berg 6
Nathan Collins 5
Keane Lewis-Potter 6
Yehor Yarmoliuk 6
Mathias Jensen 8
Dango Outtara 6
Mikkel Damsgaard 8
Kevin Schade 5
Igor Thiago 6