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

MANCHESTER, England – Manchester United’s Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko found the back of the net to secure a 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford on Monday, putting their side on the cusp of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 season.

United, currently in third place, now sit on 61 points, 11 ahead of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with just four games remaining. The top five teams in the league will secure a spot in next season’s prestigious European competition.

Casemiro opened the scoring in the 11th minute, pouncing on a loose ball behind the Brentford defense to head home from close range. Two minutes before halftime, Sesko doubled the advantage, ensuring United went into the break with a comfortable lead. Although Brentford’s Mathias Jensen pulled one back late in the match, it wasn’t enough to prevent United from claiming all three points.

The win moves United 12 points behind leaders Arsenal and nine points adrift of second-placed Manchester City. Liverpool, in fourth, are three points behind Michael Carrick’s side, with the two teams set to face off at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Brentford, who remain in ninth place with 48 points, are still in the hunt for a Europa League spot as the season heads toward its conclusion.

-Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters