Manchester United are on the brink of a return to the Champions League after defeating Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick benefited from a clinical first-half finish and wastefulness from the visitors to secure the three points despite a nervy ending courtesy of a Matthias Jensen stunner.
The result means United are close to the interim manager’s goal when he took over the club in January, and are two points away from guaranteeing a return to Europe’s elite competition next season.
The way the game started, United fans were left scratching their heads as to why they weren’t in front within the first two minutes. Coby Mainu’s incredible solo run teed up Amad Diallo from close range, but the Ivorian’s shot was cleared from the goal line by Sepp van den Berg.
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Amado fails to convert after Koby Mainu’s great run
However, the hosts did not have to wait long to take the lead. Unusually poor defending of a set piece from Brentford saw Casemiro head home again at the back post, continuing the fairy tale that ended at Old Trafford.
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Casemiro heads to Manchester United’s home game against Brentford
The Bees responded positively and could have easily scored a few goals if not for the finishing combination of Aiden Haven, Senne Ramens and Igor Thiago.
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Brentford had successive chances to equalize against Man United.
United reminded their side of their poise in front of goal when Fernandes doubled their lead with Benjamin Sesco’s goal just before the break. It was Fernandes’ 19th assist in the Premier League this season, one more than the previous record set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
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Benjamin Sesco scores Manchester United’s second goal against Brentford
Carrick switched to a back three at half-time, ending the end-to-end play of the first half. It didn’t give United much attacking impetus, but it largely stemmed the tide of Brentford’s threat.
Dango Ouattara managed to hit the post with a weak header from a few yards out and the Bees should have found the back of the net.
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Dango Ouattara’s post was rejected as Brentford looked for a way back against Manchester United.
By the time the team broke through United’s defence, it was too late. In the 87th minute, Jensen scored a stunning shot from distance to restore some late hope to his team.
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Matthias Jensen scores a long-range shot to give Brentford a goal against Man United
In the end, the Red Devils moved closer to returning to the Champions League with an 11-point lead over sixth-placed Brighton. Meanwhile, Brentford remain in ninth place, two points behind Seagulls, and have qualified for next season’s Europa League.
Maguire: “I thought I was good at aerial combat until I met Casemiro”
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire told Sky Sports:
“Until I met Casemiro, I thought I was good at attacking with headers into the box.
“His timing, aggression and jumping ability were the best I’ve ever seen or worked with. He’s very clinical. Without his goals we wouldn’t have gotten anywhere near the standings.”
Casemiro celebrates after scoring United’s first goal
On the rebuild under Michael Carrick:
“The result helped us, we had two tough games when Carrick played against Arsenal and against Man City, but we managed to get six points.
“From then on, everyone started believing and gaining confidence. We can get better with this formation. The longer we work as a unit, the better we will get. Since the coach came and changed the formation, the results speak for themselves.”
“The games under coach Ruben Amorim were 50-50 and we always ended up losing. Now it’s the other way around. We’re much better in both boxes.”
Carrick says the switch to the back three was planned.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick told Sky Sports:
“It was a pretty open game. I thought we got off to a great start. We could have at least scored one more goal and maybe even more. Credit to them. They’re a good team and they have a really good combination of threats.”
“We made adjustments in the second half and had decent control for the most part. I thought our mental strength and effort were great. We could have scored more, but at this time of year, results matter.”
Man United’s Premier League results under Michael Carrick
If you switch to a back three:
“We were going to score anyway and then we scored the second goal. There were just some spaces we needed to cover more. It was a purely tactical decision. In the position we were in at half-time, we wanted to see the game through.”
“The way the players are playing, it’s a difficult league to get results. To get this many wins, we’re happy with that.”
Andrews: Brentford are doing everything to get a result
Brentford manager Keith Andrews told Sky Sports:
“I’m happy with the performance. They started better than us and we were behind, but after that it was a great reaction. I thought we were outstanding for most of the game, but we couldn’t convert our chances.”
“It was fun to watch us play every step of the way after the first 10 minutes. The courage and courage we showed to come to a place like this and play like that shows a good step in the right direction. The next step is to be clinical and ruthless.”
“Anyone who watches us will understand that we are a team with a lot of spirit. We have a great click within the group. We are fighting hard, but in this division we need to get results. We have had a really good journey this year and were able to come to a ground like this and play in such a way.”
On the challenge for Europe and the six-game winless situation: “I felt a lot of confidence tonight. I saw the character of the team, the effort, the team that is doing everything they can to get a result.”
