GOAL AWARDED: PGMOL finally Overturned Maguire disallowed goal against Brentford due to Var error – as FA releases official statement this morning
Manchester United edged closer to sealing Champions League qualification by beating misfiring Brentford 2-1. Goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko gave Michael Carrick his ninth win as United’s interim manager, a position he’s increasingly likely to remain in next season.
But Keith Andrews will be ruing his team’s poor finishing which let a rudderless home defence off the hook. Thiago missed a slew of chances in what proved to be emblematic of the Bees’ problems before an long-range strike from Mathias Jensen made it a nervy finish.
Brentford came into this game six unbeaten while United had returned to winning ways at Chelsea nine days ago. Carrick notably had Harry Maguire back from suspension, easing the Red Devils’ injury crisis.
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Here are five talking points from Old Trafford.
1. Carrick dealt double injury blow
Although Maguire was available against, Carrick couldn’t call on Matheus Cunha after he scored the winner against Chelsea. The forward had picked up an injury and was replaced in the starting line-up by Amad.
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“He just had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the Chelsea game,” Carrick told MUTV post-match. “It looked promising in the week but he didn’t recover in time, as hoped. It’s nothing too serious but, unfortunately, he misses out tonight.”
And in the second half, Luke Shaw had to be hauled off. The England international has started every Premier League game this season, but he’s now at risk missing Sunday’s clash with Liverpool which can secure Champions League qualification.
Should Manchester United plead with Casemiro to stay? Have your say in the comments section.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, gestures during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford on April 27, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick was without last weekend’s match winner(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
2. One more year, one more Casemiro?
With his ninth goal of the season, Casemiro briefly became United’s joint-top goalscorer. Who’d have thought that when the Red Devils signed three forwards last summer?
The 34-year-old popped up again to score from a set piece and give Carrick’s side an early lead shortly after Amad missed a sitter. Casemiro may be on the decline physically, but United are sure to miss his goals next season – unless he and Sir Jim Ratcliffe listen to what the fans are chanting.
3. A tale of two strikers
Just as an end-to-end first half was nearing its conclusion, United hit Brentford with Slovenian sucker punch. Sesko, who overtook Casemiro to return to the top of United’s scoring chart, made it 10 Premier League goals for the campaign with a ruthless finish after good work from Bruno Fernandes.
If only Thiago could’ve had the same composure. With United’s defence constantly wide open, Brentford’s talisman had three golden opportunities to score in the first half, yet he didn’t even manage to register a shot.
Whether it be a slippery surface, a mistimed run, Ayden Heaven’s arm – deemed not to be a penalty by VAR – or Senne Lammens’ saves, Thiago somehow couldn’t add to his tally of 21. His failures in front of goal felt especially costly after Sesko scored, coverting his first shot of the night.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Igor Thiago of Brentford shoots under pressure from Ayden Heaven and Senne Lammens of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford
4. Carrick takes a leaf from Amorim’s book
Wing-backs looked to be a thing of the past at Old Trafford after the sacking of Ruben Amorim, but Carrick gave a nod to his predecessor with a half-time alteration. Off went Amad and on came Noussair Mazraoui, making it a back five for United.
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Amad had looked to be moving freely before the break. But the bulk of Brentford’s threat had come down the Bees’ right-hand side, so perhaps it was a tactical decision from Carrick to tighten things up in the second half.
5. Brentford’s European dream takes a hit
The race for Europe is wide open as we enter the run-in, with just four points separating sixth and 12th place in a very tight Premier League. That’s why this result will sting even more for the Bees, as they missed the opportunity to take the lead in said race.
