Man Utd participant rankings vs Brentford: Two 9/10s star as Champions League shut
Manchester United have all but secured Champions League football for next season following a stunning 2-1 win over European-chasing Brentford
Bruno Fernandes set Benjamin Sesko up to score the winner(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United virtually guaranteed Champions League football for next season after a brilliant 2-1 victory over European-hopefuls Brentford. Michael Carrick’s men now enjoy an 11-point cushion over sixth-placed Brighton, with just four matches left in the Premier League campaign.
United broke the deadlock in the 11th minute after a blistering opening. Casemiro headed home at the far post following early opportunities for Amad and Harry Maguire.
Benjamin Sesko extended their advantage after Bruno Fernandes carved through the midfield and set up his striker to convert expertly. Mathias Jensen ensured a tense finale with a thunderous effort from distance, but United maintained their composure to claim all three points. Here, the Daily Star Sport assesses the United squad.
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Senne Lammens – 7 Produced a crucial stop to thwart Michael Kayode in the first half while preserving United’s 1-0 advantage at that stage, powerless to prevent Jensen’s long-range attempt.
Diogo Dalot – 6 Struggled against Keane Lewis-Potter, who enjoyed considerable success down his wing, and received some assistance when Noussair Mazraoui was brought on at the interval.
Harry Maguire – 7 Delivered an astute header to set up Casemiro at the far post for the opener, rather than trying to score himself. Solid defensively, and his return was most welcome.
Ayden Heaven – 7 Retained in the starting XI following his outstanding debut under Michael Carrick against Chelsea and delivered a solid display, though was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty when his arm deflected a cross destined for Igor Thiago. Rescued his centre-back partner after Maguire was dispossessed inside his own box, with Ayden Heaven producing an excellent block.
Luke Shaw – 6 Enjoyed greater success operating as a wing-back in the second period, rather than within a back four. A relatively uneventful evening but fulfilled his duties and prevented Brentford from posing threats down his flank. Picked up an injury in the second half and was substituted by Leny Yoro.
Casemiro – 9 His remarkable goalscoring campaign rolled on, and United might rue his departure after he rose highest at the far post to open the scoring. No player has netted more Premier League goals for United this season than the Brazilian, who seems to be improving with each passing week. He controlled a combative midfield battle and contributed crucial late interventions to secure victory.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7 Made an instant impression with a weaving run before teeing up Amad with a chance that ought to have been converted. Showcased some excellent touches throughout and is flourishing alongside Casemiro and Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes – 9 His brilliance was evident within the opening moments with a magnificent long through ball to release Bryan Mbeumo, before a pinpoint corner nearly resulted in an early goal. Yet it was another assist for Fernandes, his 19th of the league season, to tee up Sesko. That single-season record is now firmly in his grasp.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6 A quieter display as his former club visited Old Trafford, though he did nothing particularly wrong.
Benjamin Sesko – 8 Timed his run perfectly and demonstrated genuine striker’s instinct to find the space and slot home United’s second. Sesko is building confidence in a United jersey.
Amad – 7 An energetic substitute appearance on the left wing, replacing the injured Matheus Cunha, and ought to have scored a couple but for some errant finishing and the offside flag. Withdrawn at the interval for Noussair Mazraoui.
Substitutes
Noussair Mazraoui (45′) – 6 Introduced as Carrick switched to a back-five formation, with Lewis Keane-Potter causing Diogo Dalot problems down that right side, before the adaptable defender shifted left when Luke Shaw was forced off injured. Performed admirably in both positions.
Leny Yoro (74′) – 6 Helped secure the three points but will be frustrated he couldn’t preserve the clean sheet.
Mason Mount (74′) – 6 A few neat touches as he continues his journey back to full fitness.
Joshua Zirkzee (88′) – N/A Cautioned for booting the ball away during added time as he attempted to waste time.
