Casemiro delivered another impressive performance to help Manchester United edge closer to Champions League qualification with a 2-0 victory over Brentford. The Brazilian midfielder scored the opening goal with a first-half header, before Benjamin Sesko doubled the lead before the break.
The win moves United three points clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa in the race for a top-four finish. Brentford, who had European ambitions of their own, were left to rue missed chances as they failed to capitalise on several opportunities.
United started brightly and should have taken the lead inside two minutes when Kobbie Mainoo's brilliant run set up Amad Diallo, but Sepp van den Berg deflected the shot wide. Casemiro broke the deadlock on 12 minutes, meeting Harry Maguire's headed cross at the back post.
Brentford pushed for an equaliser, with Igor Thiago wasting several chances, but United made them pay just before half-time when Bruno Fernandes set up Sesko for a simple finish. Mathias Jensen pulled one back late on, but United held on for a vital win.
