Casemiro and Sesko strike as United pull clear in race for Champions League spot
Manchester
Manchester United produced a clinical display to defeat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford, moving three points clear in third place and strengthening their push for Champions League qualification.
The win also saw United pull ahead of chasing rivals Liverpool and Aston Villa, taking a significant step toward securing a top-four finish for the first time since 2024.
United made a fast start when Casemiro opened the scoring in the 11th minute, rising at the back post to head home his 11th headed goal since joining the club in 2022. Only Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins, and Chris Wood have scored more headed goals in that period.
Brentford responded well in an open first half but were punished again just before the interval when Benjamin Šeško finished a rapid counterattack, converting a precise pass from Bruno Fernandes.
The assist was Fernandes’ 19th of the Premier League season, the highest in the league, leaving him just one short of the all-time single-season record.
Šeško praised the understanding between the pair after the match.
“Me and Bruno Fernandes work a lot on the training pitch and it is paying off. Having a teammate with this quality is a pleasure,” he said.
Brentford improved after the break and created several chances, but poor finishing cost them a result. Their persistence was rewarded late when Mathias Jensen struck from distance in the 87th minute to set up a nervy finale.
However, United held firm to secure all three points, leaving Brentford manager Keith Andrews frustrated but encouraged by his team’s performance.
“Bitterly disappointed. Overall our performance was very good, but they were more clinical than us,” Andrews said.
Brentford remain ninth in the table, level on points with Chelsea and Fulham, but are still searching for their first league win since February. Despite the setback, Andrews insisted belief remains strong within the squad as they continue their push for a possible European spot.
