Manchester United Hold On To Beat Brentford At Old Trafford

 

Manchester United claimed a decisive 2-1 victory from a hard-fought match against Brentford at Old Trafford, consolidating their position in the Premier League top four. 

United regained winning form in their previous game against Chelsea after two consecutive winless games. Having to win against Brentford gave United the points needed to stay clear of the nearest team, Liverpool, with three points. 

The game took form in the early stages with United taking the lead from Casemiro's header. The defensive midfielder headed home Harry Maguire's flicker following a corner. Despite Brentford pouncing on United's box in search of an equaliser, the hosts found a counter. Bruno Fernández released a through pass to Benjamin Sesko, who darted into the box, rounded a defender, and slotted the ball into the right corner of the post. 

Brentford maintained their relentless search for a comeback, but could only get a consolation goal from Mathias Jensen. The striker received the ball from Nelson and curled a sensational shot into the right corner of the post. 

Manchester United made off with the victory, consolidating their place in third with 61 points, winning two consecutive Premier League games. Brentford's winless run continues for five consecutive Premier League games. However, they are in a safe zone, being in ninth position with 48 points. 

Overview

Manchester United had a difficult game but were productive. Brentford were entertaining and ferocious with their attacking prowess. They forced United on the back foot, and missed a handful of close-shave chances. The visitors' efforts paid off, and it did not culminate from a slackened defense from United. Rather, it was a well-intended shot from outside the box. 

Team Efficiency

As for the defense, Manchester United maintained discipline, despite the pressure. Brentford were offensive but lacked the finishing acumen to pull off a stunner. Senne Lammens was heroic for the hosts, making great saves, particularly Ayden Heaven's goal-bound deflection. Meanwhile, being outrightly offensive let loose Brentford's defense. They did a great job keeping United out, but were caught unaware on the counter. 

Fernandez and Casemiro had a field day. Amad Diallo missed a great chance, wandering needlessly into an offside position, despite having huge space to himself to stay online. Sesko seized a similar opportunity to set United two goals ahead. Thiago wasted a couple of chances that should have been goals for Brentford. Lingering a little longer and making too many touches cost him the opportunities. Besides those attacking flaws, it was an actively attacking game for Brentford.