Player Ratings: Casemiro shines as Manchester United beat Brentford

Manchester United moved to the brink of Champions League qualification with a 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford, a result built on early authority and just enough late resilience.

Casemiro continued his fine scoring run on home soil, rising sharply after 11 minutes to nod in from a tight angle. The move owed much to Harry Maguire, whose header back across goal created the opening. It was a goal that underlined both United’s growing confidence and Brentford’s vulnerability at set pieces.

Benjamin Sesko then doubled the advantage before the interval, finishing off a precise delivery from Bruno Fernandes. That assist took Fernandes to 19 for the Premier League season, leaving him just one short of the all-time record. The timing of the second goal felt significant, giving United breathing space after a half where Brentford had created chances but failed to convert.

Photo: IMAGO

For all of United’s attacking efficiency, Brentford will reflect on missed opportunities. They carved out four clear openings in the first half alone, yet failed to test Senne Lammens with the conviction required at this level.

Dango Ouattara came closest, striking the post from inside the six-yard box early in the second half. It was a moment that summed up Brentford’s evening, plenty of intent, not enough precision.

Their persistence did eventually bring a goal. Mathias Jensen unleashed a powerful strike in the 87th minute, reducing the deficit and injecting late tension into the contest. However, the equaliser never arrived, with Mikkel Damsgaard’s late header comfortably gathered by Lammens.

This result leaves Manchester United needing just two more points to confirm a return to Europe’s elite competition. Given their current position and remaining fixtures, that objective looks well within reach.

Casemiro’s resurgence has added steel and goals from midfield, while Sesko’s presence continues to offer a focal point in attack. Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat, dictating tempo and delivering in decisive moments.

For Brentford , the defeat dents their European ambitions and extends a frustrating run without a win. Their attacking patterns remain promising, but inefficiency in front of goal is proving costly at a critical stage of the campaign.

Senne Lammens 6Diogo Dalot 6Harry Maguire 7Ayden Heaven 7Luke Shaw 6Casemiro 9Kobbie Mainoo 6Bruno Fernandes 7Amad Diallo 6Bryan Mbeumo 6Benjamin Sesko 7

Caoimhin Kelleher 6Michael Kayode 6Sepp van den Berg 6Nathan Collins 5Keane Lewis-Potter 6Yehor Yarmoliuk 6Mathias Jensen 8Dango Outtara 6Mikkel Damsgaard 8Kevin Schade 5Igor Thiago 6