Michael Carrick lauded Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes after Manchester United edged Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford, strengthening their push for Champions League qualification.
United made a fast start, with Casemiro opening the scoring early on. The Brazilian midfielder powered home a header after Bruno Fernandes’ corner was flicked on by Harry Maguire.
Fernandes then turned provider again just before halftime, bursting forward and delivering a perfectly weighted pass for Benjamin Sesko, who finished clinically to double United’s advantage.
Brentford threatened a late comeback through Mathias Jensen’s strike, but Carrick’s side held firm to secure back-to-back wins and tighten their grip on third place in the Premier League.
Casemiro, who is expected to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season, continues to prove his worth. The 32-year-old has now scored four goals in his last six appearances.
Fernandes remains equally influential. The United captain registered his 19th assist of the campaign, moving within one of the Premier League’s single-season record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Carrick highlighted the duo’s impact after the match:
“Casemiro has scored some big goals for us. Bruno and Casemiro have a strong understanding. We’ve been scoring consistently and Bruno is central to that. He could easily have had another assist and even a goal himself.”
Since stepping in as interim manager until the end of the season, Carrick has overseen a remarkable turnaround. United were sitting sixth when he took charge, with Champions League qualification far from certain.
Now, they need just two points from their remaining four games to secure a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2023-24 season.
Carrick added:
“At certain points it wasn’t guaranteed, and we weren’t favourites. Now we’re in a strong position and want to finish as high as possible. The spirit and togetherness of the players has been excellent. At this stage, it’s all about results and picking up points.”
With momentum building, United now turn their attention to a crucial upcoming clash against Liverpool.
“Today was about getting the three points. We’ve got a big game against Liverpool next, and we’re looking forward to it,” Carrick said.
