Manchester United took a huge step in their bid for UEFA Champions League qualification next season following a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday night.

The Red Devils can officially seal their spot in the European top competition if they beat Liverpool in their next Premier League match at Old Trafford next Sunday. 

It was Casemiro who opened the scoring for United 11 minutes into Monday’s game after a header by Harry Maguire went towards the Brazilian, who calmly headed home the ball.

Michael Carrick’s side doubled the advantage a few minutes from the half-time break through Benjamin Sesko, who slotted home a final pass from Bruno Fernandes. 

The goal was Sesko’s 10th league goal of the campaign, while the assist was Fernandes’ 19th as he moved closer to match the Premier League record (20) for the most assists in a single season. 

Amad Diallo had the first chance to put the Red Devils ahead in the opening minute of the encounter after Kobbie Mainoo, who skillfully carried the ball into the box, laid a pass to the Ivorian whose effort was cleared off the line. 

Igor Thiago could have got himself a hat-trick in the first half alone but failed to capitalise on several clear opportunities. 

Mathias Jensen pulled one back for Brentford in the cusp of the tie through a powerful shot from yards outside the 18-yard area. However, it was too late for the visitors to turn things around as United secured the important points. 

United remain third on the table with 61 points, three ahead of fourth and fifth-placed Liverpool and Aston Villa, respectively. 

On the other end, the loss was a dent on Brentford’s chances of playing European football next season — the Bees would have jumped to sixth on the table if they had won the match.

“We got two fantastic results, now it’s the business time of the season. To get the amount of wins we have, we’re delighted with that. It was all about the three points tonight. We’ve got a big game at the weekend,” Carrick said at full time.