Manchester United moved to within two points of Champions League qualification with a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. The win was further evidence of the job interim manager Michael Carrick has done since taking charge, with the team now clicking at a crucial stage of the season.
Casemiro opened the scoring with a header from a Harry Maguire flick-on, his ninth league goal of the campaign. Bruno Fernandes then provided his 19th league assist of the season for Benjamin Sesko's decisive second goal, a powerful finish after a swift counter-attack. Fernandes remains in contention for the Premier League's assist record and is a strong candidate for player of the year.
Brentford, who arrived as draw specialists with five draws in their six-game unbeaten run, struggled to contain United's early urgency. The visitors had chances, with Igor Thiago particularly profligate, failing to convert several openings. Keane Lewis-Potter and Michael Kayode also threatened, but United's defence, marshalled by Maguire, held firm.
United's next match is against Liverpool at home on Sunday, a fixture that will test Carrick's side further. If results go their way in the final four games, United could finish third, their highest position in three seasons, which would strengthen their case for attracting top players in the summer.
