Manchester United won 2-1 against Brentford on Monday night to win back-to-back games in the Premier League. United built on their win against Chelsea by securing another important three points at Old Trafford.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the first half, finding the back of the net with a header at the back post, and Benjamin Sesko extended the advantage before the interval with a composed strike from close range.
Brentford midfielder Mathias Jensen gave his side a lifeline by scoring with three minutes remaining, but United saw out the victory.
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Here are the moments you might have missed:
Casemiro conducts the crowd
Casemiro has soaked up every minute at Old Trafford since it was announced he would leave the club at the end of the season. The gladiator has savoured performing in the colosseum more than ever.
That was clear again when Casemiro fired United into the lead against Brentford. The popular midfielder was mobbed by every outfield player as he celebrated, and conducted the crowd as he returned to the halfway line for the restart.
“Du, du, du, Casemiro,” echoed around the ground, and Casemiro waved his fingers through the air as if he was composing music. That led the Stretford End to change track to “One more year, one more year, Casemiro”.
Casemiro has just two more games left to play at Old Trafford, and it’s guaranteed he will be emotional after his final appearance in front of United’s home supporters against Nottingham Forest.
Atmosphere boost
Fernandes is another fan favourite, and he was immediately serenaded after kick-off, with United fans chanting “Bruno, Bruno, Bruno, comes from Sporting like Cristiano”. That chant was aired again when Fernandes prepared to take the first corner of the game just five minutes into the contest.
The United captain has spoken about the difference the Old Trafford crowd can make, and he did his part to improve the atmosphere by gesturing to the fans to increase the noise.
Bryan Mbeumo had won a corner after bursting down the right wing and Fernandes sensed an opportunity to get the crowd onside. He understands creating a loud atmosphere is a two-way thing – the players must do their bit.
Apology to Mbeumo
Fernandes had plenty of space ahead of him when he picked up the ball to create United’s second goal. The midfielder had Mbeumo on his right-hand side and Sesko to his left as he attacked the box.
Mbeumo was the logical choice to pick out with a pass. Fernandes dithered and, for a moment, it looked like his hesitation would prove costly, but he was still able to find Sesko, who finished with power.
Fernandes apologised to Mbeumo by holding his hands out before embracing Sesko. Mbeumo joined the celebrations, but he wouldn’t have been smiling if the chance had been wasted.
The apology showed the kind of leader Fernandes is in the dressing room. He didn’t have to say sorry, given that the move ultimately resulted in a goal, but he understood Mbeumo was also in a brilliant position.
What a save, Lammens
United were complacent after taking the lead, allowing Brentford back into the contest by taking their foot off the gas. The Bees carved out a handful of decent chances and forced Senne Lammens into action.
However, Lammens’ finest save of the game was to deny a potential own goal from Heaven, who almost turned the ball into his own net at the Stretford End after a cross struck his torso. The Belgian goalkeeper reacted brilliantly, getting down to his right to produce an instinctive stop.
The reaction from the crowd was telling. Hundreds of fans rose to their feet to applaud Lammens’ save, with one supporter a few rows down from the press box celebrating the save as if it were a goal.
There were further cheers when Lammens claimed a ball in his box in the second half to alleviate pressure. He has made a massive difference since being handed his debut in October.
Brentford disbelief
When Dango Ouattara struck the crossbar with a header with 20 minutes remaining, a Brentford analyst reacted by sinking into his chair and placing his hands over his head in disbelief that another chance had gone begging.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews reacted in a similar manner when a superb ball flashed through the box without one of his players getting on the end of it. The Bees created plenty of chances and deserved a goal for their efforts, but they were wasteful for most of the contest.
It was ironic that Jensen made it 2-1 in the 87th minute with a long-range strike from outside the box. It was one of the most difficult chances Brentford had all night, and yet it went in. The game would have been different if the visitors had been clinical earlier in the contest.
Holland’s influence?
Carrick replaced Amad with Noussair Mazraoui at half-time to play with a back five for the second half. The tactical change would have made Ruben Amorim sit up and take note if he watched the game from home in Portugal.
TV cameras zoomed in on Steve Holland when it became clear the formation change had been made. Holland worked as England’s assistant manager during Gareth Southgate’s tenure, and the Three Lions often played with a back five at major tournaments.
United fans have bad memories of playing with a back five due to Amorim’s disastrous 14-month tenure, but the switch shored up the defence as Brentford pushed to get back into the game. It also showed Carrick is tactically versatile, something his predecessor certainly was not.
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