Man United moves to solidify Champions League spot! Two-game winning streak achieved, Sesko reaches 10th goal... 2-1 narrow victory over Brentford

*This content was translated by AI.

Manchester United in England has boosted its hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

On the 28th (Korean time), Man United defeated Brentford 2-1 in a home match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, in the 2025-2026 English Premier League (EPL). With this win, Man United secured a two-game winning streak, recording a season record of 17 wins, 10 draws, and 7 losses (61 points).

League standings remained unchanged, but the gap with fourth-place Liverpool and fifth-place Aston Villa (both with 58 points) widened.

This season, Man United faced numerous setbacks, including the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim. However, after Michael Carrick, a former legend, took over as interim manager, the team underwent a complete transformation. Not only has the team returned to the upper ranks, but qualification for the "dream stage," the UCL, is now within reach.

On this day, Man United striker Benjamin Sesko scored the decisive goal, reaching 10 goals in the league. Sesko, a Slovenian national, joined Man United last summer with a transfer fee of 85 million euros (approximately 147 billion won). Despite concerns over his huge price tag and poor early-season form, he overcame the challenges and succeeded in reaching double-digit goals, proving his value.

Manager Carrick deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Sesko played as the lone striker, with Amad Traoré, Bruno Fernandes, and Bryan Mbeumo supporting the attack from the second line. The midfield was orchestrated by Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro. The back four consisted of Luke Shaw, Eiden Heaven, Harry Maguire, and Diogo Dalot, with Seny Dieng as the goalkeeper.

Man United's opening goal came in the 11th minute of the first half. From a corner kick situation, Fernandes' kick was slightly too long, but Maguire, positioned behind him, headed the ball close to the goal. Casemiro then followed up with a header shot that found the back of the net. Casemiro tapped the Man United emblem, showing his affection.

Goalkeeper Dieng also performed well. In particular, in the 38th minute of the first half, he stretched his body to block a cross that had deflected and was almost going in.

After surviving a scoring crisis, Man United added another goal in the 43rd minute of the first half through Sesko. On a counterattack, Fernandes created a chance with a storm-like run. Near the penalty box, he did not try to shoot himself but passed to Sesko, who was nearby. Sesko calmly shot to seal the score.

In the second half, Man United brought on defenders Nacer Mazraoui and Leny Yoro to focus on defense.

In the 42nd minute of the second half, Man United conceded an equalizing goal to Brentford's Mathias Jensen. Jensen scored a spectacular long-range goal. However, there was not enough time to equalize. Man United maintained focus until the end and secured three points at home.

Football statistics platform FotMob gave Casemiro the highest rating of 8.9. Fernandes received a rating of 8.2, while Sesko and Maguire both received ratings of 8.1.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.