GOAL AWARDED: PGMOL finally Overturned Maguire disallowed goal against Brentford due to Var error-as FA releases official statement this morning
Manchester United moved a step nearer to confirming a place in next season’s Champions League after grinding out a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford. Goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko secured another important result for Michael Carrick, who claimed his ninth victory as interim boss and is strengthening his case to stay in charge beyond this season.
Despite the defeat, Brentford will feel they let a big opportunity slip away after wasting several clear chances. Thiago was particularly guilty of poor finishing, repeatedly failing to punish a shaky United backline. Mathias Jensen’s late strike from distance created tension in the closing moments, but the visitors could not find an equaliser.
Brentford arrived in Manchester on a six-match unbeaten run, while United were boosted after returning to winning ways against Chelsea nine days earlier. Carrick was also able to welcome Harry Maguire back from suspension, offering some relief to a squad that has been stretched by injuries.
However, the United manager was still hit with fresh fitness concerns before and during the match. Although Maguire returned, Matheus Cunha was unavailable after suffering an injury following his winning contribution against Chelsea. The Brazilian forward was replaced in the starting lineup by Amad.
Carrick later explained that Cunha had been dealing with discomfort in his hip flexor. He revealed that the signs were positive during the week, but the player failed to recover in time for the Brentford clash. The issue is not believed to be serious, but it was enough to rule him out of the encounter.
United’s injury worries increased further in the second half when Luke Shaw was forced off. The England defender has started every Premier League match this season, but his early withdrawal now raises doubts over his availability for Sunday’s crucial showdown with Liverpool F.C., where United could officially secure Champions League qualification.
