Manchester United got another important win on Monday night, but it was not as smooth as the score suggests.
They beat Brentford 2–1, but had to work for it, especially late on.
Casemiro put them ahead in the 11th minute. It was his 10th goal of the season, which is a strong return for a holding midfielder. The fans reacted loudly again, singing his name and asking him to stay, even though he is already set to leave.
United made it 2–0 before half time through Benjamin Sesko in the 43rd minute. The move went through Bruno Fernandes, who picked up another assist.
That assist took Bruno to 19 for the season. He is now just one away from the Premier League record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. At this point it is very real, not just talk.
There were other things to take from the game. Under Michael Carrick, United looked more organised in the first half and controlled the game better than they have in some recent matches. But the usual problem came back late on.
Kobbie Mainoo was steady in midfield. He kept things simple and helped calm things down when Brentford started pushing more. It also showed the kind of role he is starting to grow into.
Brentford got one back through M. Jensen in the 87th minute and that changed the feel of the match. United started giving the ball away and it turned a bit messy.
Brentford refused to go quietly and turned the game into a scrap, but Manchester United held their nerve when it mattered, clinging on to a result that could end up being important.
At this stage of the season, it is not about style anymore. It is about points, and United got them.
For Bruno, the record is right there now.
For Casemiro, the end is coming, but he is still having moments like this.
For United, they are still not perfect, but they are getting closer to where they want to be.
