Manchester United boosted their chances of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League football as goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Šeško secured a crucial 2-1 win over Brentford in Monday’s Premier League clash.
- +Man United boost Champions League hopes with win over Brentford
Casemiro handed Man United an early lead at Old Trafford before Šeško doubled the advantage before half-time.
Casemiro handed Man United an early lead at Old Trafford before Šeško doubled the advantage before half-time. Mathias Jensen pulled one back late on, but it proved insufficient to deny the hosts all three points.
The victory strengthens United’s grip on third place, leaving them 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, with the top five guaranteed Champions League qualification.
Managed by interim boss Michael Carrick, United now require just two points from their remaining four matches to secure a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2023/24 season.
Attention now turns to a pivotal clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the Merseyside club sitting three points behind in fourth.
Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim in January, has steadied the club after a turbulent spell and is building a strong case to be appointed permanently. Guiding United back into the Champions League would further strengthen his position as co-owner Jim Ratcliffe weighs his options.
The result also dents Brentford’s hopes of European qualification, extending their winless run to seven matches. Their struggles at Old Trafford continue, with their last win at the venue dating back to 1937.
