This swashbuckling Manchester United victory moves them to within two points of Champions League qualification and is prima facie evidence of the job Michael Carrick has executed since his appointment as interim manager.
The performance is also a fair calling card for the permanent role as United bettered a doughty Brentford by simply being better.
Kobbie Mainoo was smooth in midfield, Casemiro scored again, and Bruno Fernandes’ assist for Benjamin Sesko’s clincher was a 19th of the competition. Even if he does not equal or best the record of 20, Fernandes must be the favourite for player of the year.
Next is Liverpool here on Sunday, a trip the champions will hardly fancy because Carrick’s unit is clicking precisely when it needs to – further testament to the 44-year-old’s abilities.
Brentford arrived as the draw specialists, doing so in five of the six-game unbeaten run they kicked off seeking to extend. Yet in United – and Mainoo, particularly –they encountered a host who began in aggressive mode.
