- Manchester United beat Brentford
- Several superb performances
- One disappointment that causes concern
Manchester United have taken another step towards the UEFA Champions League after beating Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford on Monday, April 27.
The Red Devils are now just a win away from sealing their place in the Premier League top five, which guarantees them a place in the European elite competition next season. Michael Carrick’s men did not have it easy against the London side, who wasted several chances in the match.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 11th minute after Harry Maguire, who was left unmarked, headed the ball towards the backpost for the Brazilian to notch in. The former Real Madrid midfielder has been in fine form, scoring three goals in as many recent games at Old Trafford.
Igor Thiago had multiple chances to pull Brentford level, but the Brazilian striker was not at his best today. Heaven and Maguire also played a key role in disrupting the forward’s rhythm.
Kobbie Mainoo’s fine tackle started a quick counter for the Red Devils late in the first half, and Bruno Fernandes combined with Benjamin Sesko to double the lead. The captain had the striker and Mbeumo for support in the box, and he chose the Slovakian, who made no mistake.
Amad Diallo will be kicking himself for not getting on the scoresheet today, as he had three glorious chances in the first half, but he failed to make the most of them. Mathias Jensen pulled one back late for Brentford, but Manchester United held on to seal a crucial 2-1 win.
Here are the Read ManUtd ratings:
Senne Lammens – 8
The goalkeeper had to make four saves today, and two of them were off Ayden Heaven. He was rock-solid once again at the back and was a key reason the Red Devils remained in the game in the first half.
Diogo Dalot – 6
The weak link in the backline once again, but did not get punished today. He was leaving Schade and Lewis-Potter free most of the time and giving them too much space to work with in and around the box.
Harry Maguire – 8
Sensational is an understatement today, as he put himself on the line whenever needed and did everything possible to beat Brentford to the ball. He is showing exactly why the Red Devils renewed his contract.
Ayden Heaven – 7.5
Many would focus on the two incidents in which Thiago went through on goal, but his pressure on the Brentford striker was a key reason the Brazilian failed to score today.
Luke Shaw – 7.5
Looks like another unfortunate injury for the left-back, but he was brilliant before he was forced off. The Englishman picked up a silly booking early in the game, but managed to keep his calm and battled Dango Ouattara well on the pitch.
Casemiro – 8.5
Another performance in which Casemiro has left Manchester United fans questioning why he is leaving at the end of the season. The goal was crucial, as it gave the Red Devils the lead, but his positioning and game awareness in the final moments helped stop Brentford’s relentless attacks.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
Since Carrick arrived at the club, Mainoo has been on another level for Manchester United. Today was another flawless display from the youngster, who was sitting back and springing passes for the forwards, while also dropping deep to help out the defenders.
Amad Diallo – 5
Could have scored a hat-trick in the first half, but he somehow failed to get the ball in the back of the net. When he finally managed to score, he was miles offside, and that summed up his performance today off the left flank.
Bruno Fernandes – 9
Another game, another assist, another step towards the record. A captain’s display once again, and he gets a slightly better rating than Casemiro for running the show for the whole 90 minutes.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6
Not his best performance today as he failed to get a single shot away. The former Brentford star was hardly getting the ball in the right areas and kept losing possession.
Benjamin Sesko – 8.5
The striker had to wait for a long time to get his chance today, but when he got it, he made no mistake. He kept his composure in the box and slotted the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher with ease.
His only mistake today was not closing down Mathias Jensen quickly enough before the Brentford star scored.
Substitutes
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Came on at the back for Diallo and played well on the right flank. Was very much a right wing-back today, rather than a winger, as he was added to help Dalot.
Mason Mount – 5.5
Hardly got on the ball after coming on.
Leny Yoro – 6
Did not have to do much after coming on for Luke Shaw.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5.5
Picked up a silly booking in the few minutes he was on the pitch.
