EPL: Man United defeat Brentford to boost Champions League hopes

Manchester United strengthened their push for a top-four finish with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Šeško secured all three points for the Red Devils, who capitalised on Brentford’s wastefulness in front of goal.

United started brightly and nearly took the lead early on through Amad Diallo, whose effort was ruled out for offside. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute when Casemiro headed home from close range after a flick-on by Harry Maguire from a corner delivered by Bruno Fernandes.

Brentford responded with increased attacking intent, but United doubled their advantage just before halftime. Šeško calmly finished off a well-weighted pass from Fernandes to make it 2-0, as the Portuguese playmaker moved closer to matching the Premier League’s single-season assist record.

The visitors created several clear-cut chances in the second half but were repeatedly denied by poor finishing, with Igor Thiago and Dango Ouattara missing key opportunities.

Brentford eventually pulled one back in the 87th minute through Mathias Jensen, who curled a fine effort into the top corner from the edge of the box, setting up a tense finale.

However, United held firm during stoppage time to seal a fifth consecutive win over the Bees.

The result keeps Manchester United in third place, three points ahead of both Liverpool and Aston Villa in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification. Brentford, meanwhile, remain ninth, with their hopes of European football taking a hit after the defeat.