Kobbie Mainoo Shines in Impressive Display Against Brentford Amidst Amad's Missed Opportunities

MANCHESTER UNITED moved within a whisker of qualifying for the Champions League after a nervy 2-1 win over Brentford.

First-half goals from Casemiro and saw United strengthen their hold on third in the Premier League table.

Senne Lammens was instrumental in United’s 2-1 win over Brentford Credit: Reuters

Mathias Jensen’s late sweet strike drew a nervy finish, but gave his job bid an extra boost after moving three points above Aston Villa and next opponents .

And United won a game with a back-three after Carrick replaced Amad at the break, while Igor Thiago squandered several chances.

United skipper Bruno Fernandes moved within one assist of matching and Kevin de Bruyne’s season record of 20.

Here is how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated and slated the United players from United’s FOURTEENTH night game of the season.

Senne Lammens – 8

The Belgian was United’s best player in the first-half after a great save kept Michael Kayode out from point-blank range seconds after United went ahead.

He followed it up with two massive stops before Sesko doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. Dealt well with crowding in the box but couldn’t manage a second successive clean sheet for the first time.

Diogo Dalot – 6

kept coming down Dalot’s side for any luck, but the Portuguese international followed up the Chelsea win with another solid showing.

Harry Maguire – 6

A welcome return to the starting XI after his two-game ban. Maguire’s set piece strength should sent shockwaves to England boss Thomas Tuchel.

He headed across a corner to assist Casemiro’s opener, minutes after having a chance clawed inches off the line by . The Bees stopper saved another straight after the break.

Ayden Heaven – 6

A huge tackle had Old Trafford on their feet and the 19-year-old followed it up with two strong challenges on Brazil striker Igor Thiago, who is the league’s second highest goalscorer.

Heaven has been mature since coming to the XI to cover Lisandro Martinez’s three-match suspension. Played a considerable role in United’s best week in recent memory.

Luke Shaw – 6

Endured a poor start when he was booked inside five minutes for a pull back following a bleak shot cross that stinted United’s momentum.

A real mixed bag. Had some decent defensive interventions but was lacking in forward areas.

Casemiro – 7

This is some farewell tour the Brazil captain is having. His back-post header in the 11th minute was his ninth goal of the campaign.

Despite his goal, the 34-year-old had his work cut out against Brentford’s technical midfield, but he came came close to a third goal in the latter stages. Headed everything clear when United were under the cosh.

Kobbie Mainoo – 7

Mainoo is on the verge of signing fresh terms and celebrated with an epic dribble into the box only for Amad to have hit shot blocked.

His intervention set up Fernandes’ break away to double United’s lead. Was more assured in his defensive duties and won most of his duels. A really strong showing.

Kobbie Mainoo put in a huge performance as United set up a nervy finish against Brentford Credit: Reuters

Bruno Fernandes – 7

United’s engine room is just two assists away from Premier League history and four games away from becoming the first United star to win player of the season since in 2010.

The skipper lead by example and covered every blade of grass after a galvanising team huddle pre-match and several world-class switches of play.

Bryan Mbeumo – 6

Mbeumo has improved in form since his benching against Leeds and followed up a strong Chelsea showing by working hard against his former club.

Amad – 5

In a first start as a left-winger, Amad fluffed a big chance that Matheus Cunha would have perhaps scored had he not been injured.

He was then caught miles offside as his goal was chalked off, which would have been United’s second. The Ivory Coast was subbed off for Noussair Mazraoui at half-time.

Benjamin Sesko – 6

Was more assured tonight and smashed home a second goal of the evening for his 11th of the campaign.

SUBS

Mazraoui (for Amad, 46) – 6

Unfortnate to miss out on the XI after a heroic display as a makeshift centre-half at Chelsea. He was solid again in his 45 minutes.

Leny Yoro (Shaw, 73) – 6

Did not do too much wrong on his first return since his hip injury ruled him out of the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Mason Mount (for Mbeumo, 74) – 5

Did not have much of an impact.

Joshua Zirkzee (for Sesko, 87) – 4

Hardly sured things up when he came on and looked way off it.