Benjamin Sesco celebrates after scoring Manchester United’s second goal against Brentford. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United almost secured a spot in next season’s Champions League with a stunning 2-1 victory over European champions Brentford. Michael Carrick’s side currently sit 11 points behind sixth-placed Brentford with four games remaining in the Premier League season.
United started with a quick pace and took the lead in the 11th minute. After early chances from Amad and Harry Maguire, Casemiro nodded in at the back post. Benjamin Sesco doubled the lead after Bruno Fernandes burst through midfield and tightened the striker for a good finish. Matthias Jensen set up a nervy finish with a ferocious shot from outside the box, but United remained determined to hold on to the three points.
Here Express Sport rates the United team…
Manchester United’s player rating for the match against Brentford (4-2-3-1)
He made a big save in the first half to deny Michael Kayode a goal, keeping United 1-0 up at the time, but he could have done a little better and moved his feet a little earlier to deny Jensen’s shot.
He was troubled by Kean Lewis-Potter, who was overjoyed on the wing, but was given some support when Nousser Mazraoui was brought on at half-time.
Instead of Casemiro taking the shot himself, he took a very smart header that hit Casemiro at the back post and scored. They were strong at the back and his presence was a welcome return.
He made an excellent first start under Michael Carrick against Chelsea and performed well, but was perhaps a bit lucky as he avoided giving away a penalty when he blocked a cross towards Igor Thiago with his arm. Maguire saved his centre-back partner when he lost the ball in his own penalty area, but Aiden Haven made a solid block.
In the second half, he was more happy as a wing-back than in the back four. It was a mostly quiet night but he did his job and prevented Brentford from threatening the wingers. He was injured in the second half and was replaced by Yoro Lenny.
His incredible goalscoring season continues and United may regret letting go of the player who leapt high at the back post to save the day. No player has scored more Premier League goals for United this season than the Brazilian, but he still seems to be getting better every week. He dominated a lively midfield and made a crucial late intervention to see victory through.
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Casemiro scored the first goal with the highest score. (Image: Getty)
He quickly attracted attention with his wandering style and set up an opportunity for Amado, who was supposed to be under the radar. There are some very smart touches throughout and he thrives alongside Casemiro and Fernandes.
His excellence was on display in the opening minutes when he pulled away from Brian Mbeumo with a superb long through pass and nearly gave away the opening goal with a perfect corner kick just inches away.
However, Fernandes, playing his 19th league game, provided an assist for Sesco. That single-season record is now well within sight.
They traveled to Old Trafford with a subdued performance for their former team, but there were few mistakes.
He showed the instincts of a true striker, stopping the run brilliantly and finding space to score United’s second goal. Sesco is growing confident in the United shirt
He made a very active cameo on the left flank in place of the injured Matheus Cunha and, apart from some wayward finishing and an offside flag, should have netted a few goals. Nousser Mazraoui was sent off at half-time.
Nouser Mazraoui (45′) – 6
He was brought on as manager Carrick switched to a back-five formation, with Louis Keane-Potter giving Diogo Dalot more work on the right, and the versatile defender moved to the left after Luke Shaw was sent off. I competed well in both roles.
Although they earned three points, it would be a shame that they could not contribute to achieving a clean sheet.
He added a few clever touches on his way back to full fitness.
Joshua Zirkzee (88′) – N/A
He was booked for kicking the ball away in an attempt to delay the game in stoppage time.
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