AFCON 2025
Manchester United took another important step towards qualifying for the Champions League next season with a win over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Kobbie Mainoo, Senne Lemmens, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were some of the standout performers on the night as Michael Carrick clinched his ninth win in his interim role at the club.
It was a game of two halves but Michael Carrick’s men did the damage in the first with Casemiro and Benjamin putting the Red Devils ahead.
Casemiro reached his 10th goal of the season with a header off a headed assist from Harry Maguire to put Manchester United ahead after 10 minutes.
The Brazilian midfielder got to the back post and rose ahead of the Brentford players to power a header into the roof of the net.
Senne Lemmens had quite a busy night and was called into action after the goal as he stopped Michael Kayode’s effort towards goal.
Amad Diallo came close to doubling the lead for the Red Devils but his attempt was too weak to beat former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
A few minutes later Benjamin Sesko ended his goal drought as he showed brilliant composure in the box before firing the ball into the net off a Bruno Fernandes’ assist.
The second half saw Michael Carrick switched to a back three with Nousair Mazroui coming on for Admad Diallo.
Brentford had a few chances at goal but eventually breached the defence of the host courtesy of a sublime strike from range by Mattias Jensen.
The game ended 2-1 as Manchester United stayed solid in third with 61 points as they edge closer to securing a Champions League spot.
