Manchester United moved within two points of guaranteeing Champions League football as the third-place Reds earned a 2-1 victory over Brentford, and Casemiro set the new Premier League record of eight headed goals scored by a midfielder.
Casemiro broke the deadlock early in the 11th minute after a bright start for the hosts. A through ball laced up the right wing unlocked Bryan Mbeumo to carry the ball deep into the Brentford final third. Mbeumo played a low cross near the backline which forced a deflection
out for a corner.
Bruno Fernandes lofted a cross to Harry Maguire who was pedaling backward unmarked. He headed the ball up to the right side of the goal as Casemiro was shedding his marker and rose up to get to the ball. The Brazilian’s header was well directed and it flew past the keeper into the net.
Brentford grew into the match following the goal, but their competent combinations were undone by clumsiness in the penalty area. United used that opportunity to find their eventual game winner.
Fernandes raced up the center of the pitch in the 43rd minute. As Brentford defenders finally started to close in on Fernandes near the top of the box, the soon-to-be Premier League Playmaker (and player?) of the Year laid the ball off to Benjamin Sesko who was entering the left side of the penalty area. The striker hit a curling shot that beat the keeper, marking his 10th of the season despite a campaign which has included injuries and long periods of time as a super sub.
Much of the second half was defined by Senne Lammens and gutsy defensive plays by the likes of Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, and Ayden Heaven. However, the quest for another clean sheet would end late.
In the 87th minute, Brentford’s Mathias Jensen had the ball with space outside of the box. He teed up and ripped a shot which dipped over would-be blockers and beat Lammens to the inside of the far netting.
Determined to enjoy another exclamation point on his farewell tour, Casemiro drew multiple fouls in the final minutes of the match to nullify Brentford’s comeback and secure the win.
United remain at home for the big one on Sunday, May 3, when they host fifth-place Liverpool. A win over their hated rivals will guarantee football on Tuesdays or Wednesdays in the fall. A draw and other results going United’s way might still be enough to lock it up this upcoming weekend.
