Manchester United won 2-1 against Brentford FC at the end of the 34th matchday in the Premier League. The decisive factor in the end was once again that the Red Devils had the better chance conversion rate.
Man United had the opportunity on Monday evening to extend their lead on sixth place to eleven points and thus take a big step towards the top flight. But Brentford (ninth before the game) also needed every point in the battle for the European places. Michael Carrick made two changes for United after the 1-0 win over Chelsea: Maguire (after suspension) and Amad started for Mazraoui (bench) and Matheus Cunha (hip problem). At Brentford FC, Keith Andrews sent out the same starting eleven – including DFB player Schade – as in the 0-0 draw against Fulham.
Mainoo’s magical dribbling is not rewarded
Man United were clearly superior in the early stages: As early as the second minute, Mainoo set off on an inimitable dribble. He left several defenders and Brentford keeper Kelleher standing and then played in Amad, who was unable to get his shot on target because van den Berg deflected the ball decisively. Just six minutes later, Kelleher then saved a Maguire header just off the line from a Bruno Fernandes corner.
The lead for the Red Devils was in the air and finally came in the eleventh minute: another corner from Bruno Fernandes came into the middle. This time Maguire crossed for Casemiro, who headed home. After conceding the goal, Brentford FC suddenly turned on the heat: However, Igor Thiago failed to put the ball in the net three times from promising positions (16th/35th/37th). Kayode also failed to beat Lammens with a shot from close range (17).
So it looked as though United would go into the break with a narrow lead, but then the home side countered once more. Bruno Fernandes played in Sesko, who made it 2:0 after a hook (43′). That was an interval score that did not necessarily reflect the course of the game.
Jensen’s equalizer comes too late
In the second half, United were then focused on managing their lead. Maguire had a good chance with a header a few minutes after the restart (50′), but overall the Red Devils were much less active in attack. Brentford went on the attack, but without really threatening to score. There was only one great chance to score the equalizer: Ouattara’s header from a corner only hit the right post (71′).
Other than that, the game lurched towards its end until Jensen took heart and scored the equalizer with a long-range shot (87′). There wasn’t much time left for the visitors, but they did have one more chance: Damsgaard’s header landed in the arms of Lammens (90′).
In the end, it was a somewhat fortunate 2:1 victory for Manchester United. As a result, the Red Devils can now hardly be denied Champions League qualification. Michael Carrick’s side next play Liverpool at home on Sunday (4.30pm). Brentford already face West Ham on Saturday (4pm).