Manchester United need just two more points to secure a Champions League return after first-half goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko were enough to see off a spirited Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford on Monday night. Michael Carrick's side benefitted from clinical finishing and the wastefulness of their visitors to take the points in an entertaining encounter.
The win moves United 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton with four matches remaining, leaving Carrick's interim project on the cusp of completing the task set by technical director Jason Wilcox in the immediate aftermath of Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January. For Brentford, the defeat is a blow to their hopes of securing European qualification for the first time and extends their winless run to seven games in all competitions.
A Frantic Start at Old Trafford
United fans were left scratching their heads as to how the hosts were not in front inside the opening two minutes. Kobbie Mainoo produced an incredible solo run, mazing into the Brentford area before teeing up Amad Diallo from close range, only for the Ivorian's effort to be cleared off the line by Sepp van den Berg.