Manchester United moved a step closer to securing UEFA Champions League football after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford.
The win keeps United firmly in third place in the Premier League, opening up a three-point gap over rivals Liverpool and Aston Villa in the race for a top-four finish.
Casemiro gave the hosts an early lead, rising at the back post to head home after 11 minutes. It was another reminder of the Brazilian’s aerial threat as he prepares to leave the club at the end of the season.
United doubled their advantage just before the break when Benjamin Šeško finished off a swift counterattack after being picked out by Bruno Fernandes.
“Me and Bruno Fernandes work a lot on the training pitch and it is paying off,” Šeško said.
“Knowing I have a teammate with this quality is a pleasure and I have to use it.”
Brentford pulled one back late through Mathias Jensen, but United held firm to claim a vital three points.
Despite the defeat, Brentford manager Keith Andrews took encouragement from his team’s display.
“Bitterly disappointed. Overall our performance was very good. As a collective we went toe to toe with a good side and controlled large parts of the game. They were more clinical than us,” he said.
Sun
