FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
That's all from us this evening. Thanks for joining us!
Only a few more weeks and the season will be over! But we've still got time, and of course, we'll be back from tomorrow to bring you the Champions League semi-finals.
We'll leave you with tonight's highlights...
See you soon!
Man Utd survive Brentford fight back to earn crucial win
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, speaking to Match of the Day: "It was open at times. We started fantastically well. We managed the game and had to see it out. We were pushed tonight but it's the time of year where results are even more important."
On the fast start with Casemiro's goal: "He's scored some big goals for us. Bruno, Harry and Casemiro have a good relationship. We wanted to come out and start quick and look dangerous and creative and we did that."
On scoring the second at a good time: "Just before half-time put us in a good position. The game was never dead. We controlled it with the change at half-time and looked more control and solid. We could have gone for more but I thought there were certain spaces we needed to control better. The boys showed a lot of experience to see the game out. It was a big three points for us and off the back of the Leeds game two wins is great."
On almost securing a Champions League return: "It wasn't a given, at certain stages we weren't favourites. Now we are in a good position and want to finish as high in the league as we want to keep pushing for that."
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Brentford remain in the chase for the European spots, but they've now gone six games without a win in the Premier League - their longest run since February-April 2024.
It's not the time in the season to have a dip in form, that's for sure.
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Nathan Collins speaking to Sky Sports: "We started the game a bit slow. They gained momentum. They scored the first but from then on, I thought we were the better team. Thought we controlled possession.
"We felt like there was a lot of positives to take [after the first half]. And second half, we didn't have much to lose. We were already losing 2-0 so we thought we could just have a right go for it. I thought we dominated create a lot of chances throughout the game, so it's a frustrating result to take.
"There was that belief all the way to the end, getting the goal back. And it was there still with all the players, then to think we've got to get something, got to get that equaliser right at the end in a team that wants to attack, wants to go to the end. It was a tough one to take, because we felt like we did create a lot of good chances."
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was quite an open game at times. We started fantastically well. Credit to them, they are a good team and we knew they were a good team. They came into the game a little bit and were in a good place at half-time so we tweaked things second half. Towards the end they had a few opportunities but I thought the spirit, effort and togetherness of the players was fantastic. It's the time of year when it's a result business and we needed to take points."
On the half-time change: "We were going to make it anyway. There were certain spaces we needed to cover a bit better and it had a good effect. It was purely tactical."
On another assist for Bruno Fernandes: "We have scored nearly every game and Bruno is a big part of that. He could have maybe had one more [assist] and scored himself."
On seeing the game out after Brentford pulled a goal back: "It's a tough finish in a tough league. To get the amount of wins we have, we are delighted with that. Today was all about the three points for us. It's another win. We have an important game coming up and we can look forward to that."
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Since Michael Carrick took charge in January, Manchester United have won nine of their 13 games - more than any other team in the same period.
When he took over, the club were sixth and in danger of missing out on another Champions League season. Now they're third and will almost certainly be playing in Europe's top competition next term.
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Brentford boss Keith Andrews, speaking to Match of the Day: "Bitterly disappointed. Overall our performance was very good. As a collective we went toe-to-toe with a good side and controlled large parts of the game. They were more clinical than us."
On going 2-0 down after impressive spells: "The second goal was disappointing. After the first goal we got a grip of the game. The second goal was a bitter one to swallow. I have to say the attitude of the group was really impressive."
On Man Utd's half-time change to nullify Brentford's threat: "We controlled nearly all of the second half. The belief and the courage we played with created opportunities but unfortunately we could only take one of those. It came a tad too late but we kept going in every aspect of the game. The boys gave everything."
On fighting for European football: "There is absolute belief in everything we do. We are not playing safe, I don't want us to be that team. We set up in a brave fashion against a top team tonight and unfortunately we couldn't quite get there'"
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If Brentford could finish they would have won tonight. I think United have been pretty average under Carrick, nicking results without playing well. Let's see next season when they have to play 2 or 3 times per week. Think people are going overboard as they could have easily lost tonight.
Darren, Bolton
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Manchester United's Harry Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports: "I think obviously the results help that the feeling [of confidence about Michael Carrick] massively. We had two tough fixtures when Michael first come in, and I think everyone was probably looking at them thinking 'oh no', with Arsenal and Man City, and we managed to get the six points.
"Everyone's believed in it, and we've gathered together. We've got the confidence. We know that we can score goals from anywhere. I think we can still get a lot better at this formation as well. I think we can work as a back force, slide across the pitch a lot quicker, like we should have done.
"The results speak for themselves, since the manager has come in, and the formation has changed, we just seemed to pick up results. I think that the games previous, when Ruben was here, the games were 50/50, but we always ended up on the back of a defeat.
"Now it seems like it's the other way around, where we're a lot better in both boxes. We defend our box a lot better, and we're managing to be clinical in the other box."
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Manchester United's Harry Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports about Casemiro: "His time in this league, his aggression, his technique, it's the best I've seen and worked with. Really clinical, and he's been a massive boost for us this season, because without his goals, we wouldn't be nowhere on the table."
"I've played in in a lot of teams where I get one, two players marking me, and all the focus is on myself. I think now all the teams are respecting that Casemiro is a massive threat as well. So they have to take a lot of eyes on him. They have to put a good defender on him, rather than putting two on myself at the moment.
"It frees us both up. Our record when we both play together, when I play, I think Casemiro gets more goals and when he plays I get more opportunities as well. It's good that we have two big targets, two good threats in in the attacking box. And I think it makes a lot harder for the opposition."
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Manchester United's Harry Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was tough, I think we started the game really well and after 25 minutes they got into the grip of the game, and then we changed the shape a little bit in the second half and it felt a lot more solid. We covered the pitch a lot more, a lot less crosses were coming into the box.
"Disappointing to concede the goal from the edge of the box. We've got to get out a little bit quicker than that to block the shot, block the ball. But it felt comfortable apart from the set-play chance off the bar.
"But the shape helped us in the second half not to concede as many chances, but overall I felt we should have done a little bit more with the ball."
On changing formation: "I think the formation change has helped us a lot, to be honest. I think the results spoke for itself. So I think we're comfortable that we can play both formations. But I think we didn't cover the pitch well enough in the in the last 20 minutes of the first half, and was letting too many balls into the box, and then they were putting a lot of numbers in the box as well.
"I think it was good that the manager recognised that, and we changed the second half, and I felt like it was a lot more comfortable."
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It's hard to imagine that Amorim's United would have closed this game out, but this team has a bit more about them these days. A gritty second half stint for the Reds.
David, London
If United - a team who finished 15th last season and looked dead certs for relegation barely a year ago - end up finishing in the CL places, this must be considered a football miracle of Leicester 2015/16 proportions.
Jon, Liverpool
That's a big call that, Jon. Not sure Leicester City fans would agree with you...
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Brentford boss Keith Andrews, speaking to Sky Sports: "Pleased with the performance. They started better than we did and we were on the back foot. But after that a top reaction. I thought we were outstanding for large parts of the game but we couldn't take our opportunities.
"I enjoyed watching us play in every aspect after that first 10 minutes. The bravery and courage we showed, to come somewhere like this and play in that manner shows a good step in the right direction. The next step is being clinical and ruthless.
"Anyone that watches us will see we are a team with a lot of spirit. We have a nice click around the group. We fight hard but you have to earn results in this division. We have been on a really food journey this year that allows us to come to a ground like this and play in that manner."
On the race for Europe and going six games without a win: "I saw a lot of confidence tonight. I saw personality, a team that is doing everything it can to get results."
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Bruno Fernandes became just the third Manchester United player to score or assist in eight or more consecutive Premier League appearances at Old Trafford after Cristiano Ronaldo between March-November 2008 (10 in a row) and Wayne Rooney between December 2009 – March 2010 (eight in a row).
Only one more assist and he'll equal the 20 set by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne's record for most assists in a single season.
He's got nine more than anyone else this term!
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Manchester United goalscorer Benjamin Sesko, speaking to Sky Sports: "It feels amazing. It was tough because we knew we faced a difficult team but we managed to hold the score until the end and we deserved the victory."
On the fast start: "It's very important the way we start the game. It gives the crowd extra energy and we used it. We scored two goals."
On adding to his goal tally: "I'm feeling better from game to game. I am connected more with the team."
On Casemiro: "He's a work machine, he never stops. We are pleased that we have him and we are going to use it until the last minute before he leaves. He helps us very much."
On his relationship with Bruno Fernandes: "We work a lot on the training field and on the pitch as well. It's paying off."
On being within touching distance of Champions League football: "We have to push until the last minute. It's important to bring the energy we brought today and we believe we can manage it."
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Well done to Michael Carrick and his team, he has completely changed the way Utd play and the team have reacted by getting results and playing with a lot more passion than under the previous manager.
Dunn, Hounslow
FT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Two more points from their four remaining games and Manchester United are guaranteed Champions League football next season.
And, if Brighton or Bournemouth fail to win at the weekend - before United face Liverpool on Sunday - then they won't be able to match the 61 points that the Red Devils have won this season and their Champions League qualification will be confirmed.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Man Utd 2-1 Brentford
Since making his Premier League debut in August 2022, only Erling Haaland (18), Ollie Watkins (16) and Chris Wood (13) have scored more headed goals than Casemiro (11).
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Got to say, and I do rate him as a player, Casemiro is an absolute disgrace for his shenanigans with Collins. Horrendous refereeing as well, he goes down under zero contact then goes high-fiving fans and teammates like a boxer who's just won a fight. Unbelievable ref.
Steven, Middlesbrough
Man Utd survive Brentford fight back to earn crucial win
At a glance
Casemiro scores for third successive game at Old Trafford
Benjamin Sesko adds second after Brentford waste numerous chances
Bruno Fernandes now on 19 Premier League assists, one short of the record
Man Utd third, Brentford ninth
Manchester United need just two more points to secure a Champions League return after first-half goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko were enough for them to win an entertaining encounter with Brentford.
Casemiro nodded home from an acute angle after Harry Maguire had guided a header to the far post after 11 minutes.
Bruno Fernandes then claimed his 19th assist of the season, one short of equalling the Premier League record, when he teed up Sesko three minutes before the break.
Michael Carrick's side have four games left to complete the task set them by technical director Jason Wilcox in the immediate aftermath of Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January.
Yet they might have done it before they get to half-time in their game against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday if Brighton and Bournemouth drop points in their weekend games.
The result is a blow to Brentford's hopes of securing European qualification for the first time and extends their winless run to seven in all competitions.
Keith Andrews' side only had themselves to blame though. In the first half in particular they had four clear chances to score and Dango Ouattara hit the post from inside the six-yard box in the second.
Mathias Jensen eventually scored with a thunderous effort three minutes from time but the equaliser would not come as Mikkel Damsgaard's late header went straight to United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
All but back in Champions League - yet big decisions loom at Man Utd
Carrick hails 'big three points' after beating Brentford
There is a lively debate raging about who should be awarded the main player of the year prizes.
Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Gabriel have their supporters, so too Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo. Two of that quartet will finish the season as Premier League champions. Bernardo Silva is the sentimental choice before he leaves English football. Ryan Cherki the bolter.
But no attacking player has been more effective, so consistently this season than Fernandes.
At times it has felt he has carried United.
Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne are two of the Premier League's all-time greats. It is surely only a matter if of time before Fernandes eclipses them with the most assists in a season.
He is now one behind, with four games left.
His 19th - and seventh in as many matches - almost brought a look of apology for Bryan Mbeumo, so keen to make an impact against his old club.
Instead, as Fernandes streaked to the edge of the Brentford box, he passed left instead of right and Sesko scored the 11th goal of his debut campaign in English football.
That proved to be enough as it turned out. But before it all, Kobbie Mainoo had produced a wonderous mazy run into the Brentford area, then set up Amad Diallo, who missed.
At the end, Casemiro used all his experience to win a couple of free-kicks in the home penalty area as Brentford presser to find a leveller.
The Casemiro-Mainoo midfield pairing has been the standout improvement from the Ruben Amorim era. Casemiro has four games remaining of his Manchester United career. He will be badly missed.
Andrews 'bitterly disappointed' after Brentford lose at Man Utd
Igor Thiago went into the game three behind Erling Haaland in Golden Boot standings.
It is no exaggeration to say the Brazilian could have been level by half-time.
Time and again, he seemed to have a clear shooting chance, time and again he seemed to make a mess of it.
At one point, the penalty area seemed to open up for the Brentford man. Inexplicably, instead of shooting with his right foot, he tried to check back onto his left and slipped.
On two more occasions, Lammens produced a tremendous saves to prevent Ayden Heaven putting the ball into his own net as he scrambled to deny Thiago opportunities to go for goal.
It must have been galling for Andrews to send his side out on a salvage mission after the break.
Had Jensen's exceptional strike come earlier, the Bees might have rescued a point.
Instead, they remain in the middle of a pack of clubs all of whom can justifiably have European aspirations and one of whom, if Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, could end up in the Champions League.
Manchester United are next in action on Sunday, 3 May when they entertain old rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford (15:30 GMT). Brentford host West Ham in a London derby on Saturday, 2 May (15:00 GMT).
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 22 | 7 | 5 | 64 | 26 | 38 | 73 |
| |
| 33 | 21 | 7 | 5 | 66 | 29 | 37 | 70 |
| |
| 34 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 60 | 46 | 14 | 61 |
| |
| 34 | 17 | 7 | 10 | 57 | 44 | 13 | 58 |
| |
| 34 | 17 | 7 | 10 | 47 | 42 | 5 | 58 |
| |
| 34 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 48 | 39 | 9 | 50 |
| |
| 34 | 11 | 16 | 7 | 52 | 52 | 0 | 49 |
| |
| 34 | 13 | 9 | 12 | 53 | 45 | 8 | 48 |
| |
| 34 | 13 | 9 | 12 | 49 | 46 | 3 | 48 |
| |
| 34 | 14 | 6 | 14 | 44 | 46 | -2 | 48 |
| |
| 34 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 41 | 41 | 0 | 47 |
| |
| 34 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 36 | 45 | -9 | 46 |
| |
| 33 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 36 | 39 | -3 | 43 |
| |
| 34 | 12 | 6 | 16 | 46 | 50 | -4 | 42 |
| |
| 34 | 9 | 13 | 12 | 44 | 51 | -7 | 40 |
| |
| 34 | 10 | 9 | 15 | 41 | 45 | -4 | 39 |
| |
| 34 | 9 | 9 | 16 | 42 | 58 | -16 | 36 |
| |
| 34 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 43 | 53 | -10 | 34 |
| |
| 34 | 4 | 8 | 22 | 34 | 68 | -34 | 20 |
| |
| 34 | 3 | 8 | 23 | 24 | 62 | -38 | 17 |
|
Manager:Michael Carrick
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Keith Andrews
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Michael Carrick
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Keith Andrews
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | Manchester United |
2' | Manchester United |
3' | Manchester United |
4' | Manchester United |
5' | Manchester United |
6' | Manchester United |
7' | Manchester United |
8' | Manchester United |
9' | Manchester United |
10' | Manchester United |
11' | Manchester UnitedGoal |
12' | Manchester United |
13' | Manchester United |
14' | Manchester United |
15' | Manchester United |
16' | Brentford |
17' | Brentford |
18' | Brentford |
19' | Brentford |
20' | Brentford |
21' | Brentford |
22' | Brentford |
23' | Brentford |
24' | Brentford |
25' | Brentford |
26' | Brentford |
27' | Brentford |
28' | Brentford |
29' | Brentford |
30' | Brentford |
31' | Manchester United |
32' | Manchester United |
33' | Brentford |
34' | Brentford |
35' | Brentford |
36' | Brentford |
37' | Brentford |
38' | Brentford |
39' | Brentford |
40' | Brentford |
41' | Brentford |
42' | Brentford |
43' | Manchester UnitedGoal |
44' | Manchester United |
45' | Manchester United |
45'+1 | Brentford |
45'+2 | Brentford |
Half time 45'+3 | Brentford |
46' | Brentford |
47' | Brentford |
48' | Manchester United |
49' | Manchester United |
50' | Manchester United |
51' | Manchester United |
52' | Manchester United |
53' | Brentford |
54' | Brentford |
55' | Manchester United |
56' | Brentford |
57' | Brentford |
58' | Manchester United |
59' | Brentford |
60' | Brentford |
61' | Brentford |
62' | Brentford |
63' | Brentford |
64' | Brentford |
65' | Brentford |
66' | Brentford |
67' | Brentford |
68' | Brentford |
69' | Brentford |
70' | Brentford |
71' | Brentford |
72' | Brentford |
73' | Brentford |
74' | Brentford |
75' | Brentford |
76' | Manchester United |
77' | Manchester United |
78' | Manchester United |
79' | Brentford |
80' | Brentford |
81' | Brentford |
82' | Brentford |
83' | Brentford |
84' | Brentford |
85' | Brentford |
86' | Brentford |
87' | BrentfordGoal |
88' | Brentford |
89' | Brentford |
90' | Brentford |
90'+1 | Brentford |
90'+2 | Brentford |
90'+3 | Brentford |
90'+4 | Brentford |
90'+5 | Brentford |
Full time 90'+6 | Brentford |
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Manchester United have lost their last two league games against Brentford, more than they had in their previous 11 (W8 D2 L1).
Brentford are looking to complete the league double over Manchester United for just the second time, previously doing so in the 1936-37 top-flight campaign that saw the Red Devils relegated.
This is Manchester United’s sixth Premier League game played on a Monday this season. It’s their most in a single campaign since 1995-96 (also 6), while they last played more in 1992-93 (7).
Since losing 1-0 to Everton in November, Manchester United have scored in 21 consecutive Premier League matches. It’s their longest scoring run since Alex Ferguson retired – they last scored in that many in a row between November 2012 and April 2013 (23).
Brentford have drawn their last five Premier League matches. The last team to have a longer run of draws in the division were Manchester City in October/November 2009 (7).
Manchester United lost 2-1 to Leeds United in their last home Premier league match, but they haven’t suffered consecutive home league defeats since May 2025.
Since losing 2-0 to Brighton and Hove Albion in February, Brentford haven’t trailed for a single minute in the Premier League across six matches. They last went seven in a row without falling behind between November and February in the 2022-23 season.
Manchester United faced 17 more shots than they had themselves in their 1-0 win over Chelsea (4 shots, 21 faced), their biggest shot deficit in a Premier League game since April 2024 against Liverpool (19). It was their biggest in a win since December 2017 against Arsenal (25 – 8 shots, 33 faced).
Bruno Fernandes has 18 Premier League assists this season for Man Utd, with only three players ever creating more goals in a single season: Thierry Henry in 2002-03 for Arsenal (20), Kevin De Bruyne in 2019-20 for Man City (20), and Mesut Özil in 2015-16 for Arsenal (19).
Caoimhín Kelleher has kept nine Premier League clean sheets for Brentford this season. The last Republic of Ireland goalkeeper to hit double figures for clean sheets in a season was Shay Given in 2009-10 for Man City (10).
