Manchester United moved to within touching distance of Champions League qualification after a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday.
Goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko either side of half-time secured the win, lifting Michael Carrick’s side 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton. With the top five guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions League, United need just two points from their remaining four matches to secure their return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2023-24 campaign.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 11th minute, heading home from a well-worked corner routine. Bruno Fernandes’ delivery found Harry Maguire at the far post, whose looping header allowed the Brazilian to score from an acute angle. It was Casemiro’s fourth goal in his last six appearances. The veteran midfielder, expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, celebrated by kissing the club badge as fans chanted “one more year”.
Benjamin Sesko doubled the lead in the 43rd minute after Amad Diallo’s determination won possession deep inside United’s half. Fernandes drove forward and slipped a pass to the Slovenian, who lashed home from 10 yards. Fernandes now has 19 assists this season, chasing the Premier League record of 20 set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Brentford, who last won at Old Trafford in 1937, pulled a goal back late on. Mathias Jensen curled an impressive strike past United keeper Senne Lammens from 20 yards in the 87th minute. Mikkel Damsgaard’s header was then clutched by Lammens in stoppage time as United held firm.
Interim boss Carrick, who replaced the sacked Ruben Amorim in January, has steadied the side following a turbulent reign. A 1-0 win at Chelsea in their previous match had revived United’s top-five charge after a home defeat to Leeds and a draw at Bournemouth. On Sunday, United host fourth-placed Liverpool, who trail them by three points, in a decisive clash for third place.
Casemiro’s early opener came after Brentford survived early scares. Kobbie Mainoo’s superb run set up Amad Diallo, whose close-range effort was cleared off the line by Sepp van den Berg. Harry Maguire’s towering header was also clawed away by Brentford keeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Michael Kayode and Igor Thiago threatened for the visitors, but Lammens and last-ditch defending preserved the lead.
Whether Carrick will land the job permanently remains unclear, but leading United into the Champions League would strengthen his case as co-owner Jim Ratcliffe considers his options.
