Man United set for Champions League return after 2-1 win over Brentford

Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring their second goal. Reuters

Manchester United's Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko struck first-half goals to secure a 2-1 Premier League home win over Brentford on Monday, taking their side to the brink of Champions League football for the first time since the 2023-24 season.

Third-placed United moved to 61 points, 11 ahead of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with four games left. The top five qualify for next season's Champions League.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro stole in behind the Brentford defence to head the opener for United in the 11th minute and Sesko added a second two minutes before the break, with Mathias Jensen netting a late consolation goal for Brentford.

The win means United are now 12 points behind Arsenal and nine adrift of second-placed Manchester City. Liverpool are three points behind Michael Carrick's side in fourth place, with the two rivals meeting at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Brentford are ninth on 48 points among several clubs still in with a chance of making the Europa League.