Goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko secured a crucial three points, lifting United 11 points clear of sixth place with four matches remaining. The result means Carrick's side could seal their return to Europe's top competition with victory over rivals Liverpool next weekend.

"It's another win," Carrick said afterwards. "We've got an important game coming up, and we can look forward to that. It's a big game for different reasons, but we've put ourselves in a good position with a good win tonight."

United started on the front foot and were rewarded early when Casemiro headed home in the 11th minute after Harry Maguire nodded Bruno Fernandes' cross into his path. Fernandes remained central to everything creative, and just before half-time, Sesko doubled the lead with a composed finish after being set up once again by the Portuguese playmaker.

Carrick admitted his side could have extended their advantage but stressed the importance of results at this stage of the season. "We could have scored more, but it's that time of year when it's about results. We needed the points."

Brentford, however, responded with determination after the break. Manager Keith Andrews praised his players despite the defeat.

"I'm pleased with the performance," he said. "We were on the back foot early on, but after that we reacted brilliantly. I thought we were outstanding for large parts, but we couldn't take our chances."

The visitors created several opportunities, with Igor Thiago and Dango Ouattara both going close, before Mathias Jensen set up a tense finale with a superb late strike.

United held firm to secure back-to-back wins following their defeat to Leeds, maintaining momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Brentford, meanwhile, remain just two points off sixth place despite a difficult run, with their hopes of European qualification still alive heading into the final weeks.

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