MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Third-place Manchester United won 2-1 at home to Brentford in the Premier League on Monday, giving them a bit of sunshine while chasing Liverpool and Aston Villa.
United are three points ahead of their rivals and have taken a big step towards securing a place in next season’s Champions League for the first time since 2024.
Casemiro snuck in at the back post a few weeks before leaving the club and put United into the lead after 11 minutes. It was his 11th headed goal since joining United in August 2022, with only Erling Haaland (18), Ollie Watkins (16) and Chris Wood (13) scoring a better record.
Brentford were level with the home side in the first half, but it was United who doubled their lead just before half-time.
Benjamin Sesco received a simple pass from Bruno Fernandes and finished off a quick counter-attack, securing the talismanic midfielder his league-best 19th assist of the season and moving him just one away from equaling the Premier League record.
There were chances for both teams in a calm second half, but Brentford were especially reckless in front of goal.
Matthias Jensen’s long-range strike in the 87th minute gave them some hope, but United held on and it was another disappointing result for Keith Andrews’ side.
Brentford remain in ninth place, level on points with Chelsea and Fulham, but have not won a league match since February.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
