Manchester United are on the brink of Champions League football after a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Brentford at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick’s side now require just two more points from their remaining four matches to seal their return to Europe’s elite competition.
Casemiro opened the scoring after 11 minutes, nodding home from a tight angle following Harry Maguire’s headed knockdown from a set piece.
Benjamin Sesko then doubled the advantage three minutes before half-time, finishing coolly after a swift counter-attack.
Casemiro was awarded the man of the match award after his goal and impressive midfield display
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It could prove to be United’s most significant week in years, with Champions League qualification now within touching distance.
Bruno Fernandes was once again the creative heartbeat of United’s attack, registering his 19th Premier League assist of what has been a career-best campaign.
The Portuguese playmaker is now just one short of matching the all-time single-season record, jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
With four games still to play, it seems only a matter of time before Fernandes surpasses two of the league’s greatest ever talents.
The Old Trafford faithful made their appreciation clear, chanting his name even as Sesko found the net.
Benjamin Sesko netted United’s second from a pass from Bruno Fernandes, who is close to breaking a Premier League record
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There’s growing momentum behind Fernandes for the Player of the Year awards, with talk of a potential clean sweep of individual honours.
Sesko’s strike was the Slovenian’s 11th goal of his debut season in English football, making him United’s outright leading scorer.
The 21-year-old celebrated with his trademark ‘jump’ – a nod to basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Off the pitch, there’s more good news brewing at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo has agreed a new five-year contract with the club, with an official announcement expected imminently.
The young midfielder was brilliant against Brentford, producing a dazzling run into the box early on to set up Amad Diallo, who couldn’t convert.
Carrick has been particularly impressed with Mainoo’s performances during his three-month tenure.
Benjamin Sesko netted United’s second from a pass from Bruno Fernandes, who is close to breaking a Premier League record
Brentford will be kicking themselves after squandering a hatful of opportunities to get something from the match.
Igor Thiago, who started the evening three goals behind Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race, could realistically have drawn level by the interval.
The Brazilian repeatedly found himself in promising positions but failed to capitalise, at one point inexplicably checking back onto his weaker foot when a shot was on.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was United’s unsung hero, pulling off several vital saves to keep his side ahead.
Bruno Fernandes now has 19 assists this season in the Premier League
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Mathias Jensen eventually beat him with a thunderous long-range effort three minutes from time, but it proved merely a consolation.
