Manchester United kept their Champions League hopes alive with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Brentford, securing maximum points in a tense encounter.
The Red Devils started brightly, controlling possession early on and pinning Brentford back with a series of attacking moves. Chances fell to Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, but the visitors initially held firm under pressure.
The breakthrough eventually arrived when Casemiro rose above everyone to nod home from close range following a well-taken corner, giving United a deserved lead.
Brentford struggled to respond for most of the first half, creating only a handful of chances that failed to trouble goalkeeper Senne Lemmens. Keane Lewis-Potter came closest during that spell, but his effort was blocked, while Igor Thiago also missed two opportunities before the interval.
United thought they had doubled their lead through Amad Diallo, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside after the ball hit the post and crossed the line. However, the second goal did arrive soon after, as Benjamin Šeško finished off a move set up by Bruno Fernandes, bringing him closer to the Premier League assist record.
Despite Brentford enjoying a brief spell of possession late in the first half, United went into the break with a comfortable two-goal cushion.
The second half saw a more balanced contest, with both sides sharing possession. Maguire nearly extended the lead early on, but his header was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Brentford pushed forward in search of a way back into the game, with Dango Ouattara going close before seeing his effort cleared, and later picking up a booking for a high challenge.
The visitors eventually pulled one back late on through Mathias Jensen, setting up a nervy finish, but United held on to claim a crucial victory.
