Manchester United edges closer to Champions League
Manchester United pulled 11 points clear in the race for Champions League qualification with a 2-1 win over Brentford in an entertaining tussle at Old Trafford.
First-half goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko got the job done, though Mathias Jensen's 87th-minute strike set up a grandstand finale in Tuesday's Premier League clash.
United's fast start should have been rewarded in the second minute when Kobbie Mainoo brilliantly slalomed his way into the penalty area before unselfishly squaring to Amad Diallo, who saw his shot cleared off the line by Sepp van den Berg.
Harry Maguire then forced a fine stop out of Caoimhin Kelleher from a Bruno Fernandes corner, but another set-piece from United's captain led to the opening goal, with Casemiro nodding in at the back post in the 11th minute.
Brentford responded brilliantly but saw three chances for top scorer Igor Thiago come and go, and only a sensational stop from Senne Lammens ensured Ayden Heaven did not turn Mikkel Damsgaard's inviting delivery into his own net.
Keith Andrews's side was made to pay for its profligacy two minutes before the break when Fernandes bided his time before slipping in Sesko, who sat down Nathan Collins before smashing past Kelleher.
Dango Ouattara hit the post in the second half as the Bees tried to mount a response, and they got on the scoresheet when Jensen guided an effort in off the left post.
The visitor almost snatched a point, but Damsgaard could only guide his header into the arms of Lammens as United held on for a potentially crucial win.
