Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring his team’s second goal (Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Manchester United took a big step towards securing Champions League football with a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford. Early goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko put them in control and they held on despite a late goal from Mathias Jensen. The result keeps United third in the table, now 11 points clear of sixth, meaning they need just two points from four games to confirm a return to the Champions League.United were strong and created chances within minutes. After early pressure, Casemiro opened the scoring with a header from a corner, continuing his recent good form. The experienced midfielder, who could leave at the end of the season, celebrated passionately as fans urged him to stay. Brentford had a few chances through Igor Thiago and others but failed to convert and United made them pay. Just before half-time, Sesko finished off a slick move, started by Amad Diallo and set up by Bruno Fernandes, to double the lead.United eased up in the second half and allowed Brentford to grow into the game. Jensen’s brilliant long-range goal in the 87th minute made things tense, but United managed to hold their own in the final moments.Under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, United have bounced back well from a difficult start to the season. With a crucial clash with Liverpool coming up, this win boosts their position as they look to finish in the top three and return to Europe’s top flight.
