Michael Carrick saluted Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes after Manchester United's midfield stars inspired the 2-1 win over Brentford that moved them closer to Champions League qualification. Casemiro headed United in front in the early stages at Old Trafford after Fernandes's corner was nodded on by Harry Maguire. Fernandes helped United double their lead just before half-time with a surging run and pin-point pass to Benjamin Sesko, who fired home in clinical style. 

Carrick's side survived Mathias Jensen's late strike to secure a second successive victory, cementing their grip on third place in the Premier League. Brazilian veteran Casemiro, who is set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, now has four goals in his last six games, underlining his enduring value to United. Fernandes is even more important, the United captain making his 19th assist of the campaign to move within one of the single-season Premier League record currently held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Carrick knows the value of his midfield pair and the United interim boss said: "Casemiro has scored some big goals for us. Bruno and Casemiro have a good relationship.