Carrick-ball continues to shine as Manchester United sail towards Champions League qualification after a crucial win over Brentford

Casemiro scored another game-winning goal for Manchester United. (Image credits – Wikipedia, Licence Details)

First half goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko sealed a crucial 2-1 win for Manchester United against Brentford at Old Trafford as the Red Devils moved an inch closer to Champions League qualification this season.

Man United are 3rd in the table with 61 points, three points above Liverpool and Aston Villa in 4th and 5th, respectively. Mathias Jensen scored a late consolation goal for the visitors, setting up a nervous end to the game.

Michael Carrick’s side were brilliant right from the start and could've led the game right in the second minute of the game, but Amad Diallo saw his shot cleared off the line by Sepp Van den Berg before Casemiro gave United the lead in the eleventh minute. The Brazilian midfielder is set to leave the club at the end of this season.

Brentford did create a few chances, but it wasn't enough as Senne Lammens was equal to all of those chances. Dango Ouattara hit the post in the second half, which was one of the best chances for the Bees. Late in the second half, United seemed tired and showed signs of shakiness at the back, but Carrick's men managed to grind three points out.

Bruno Fernandes bagged his 19th assist in the Premier League this season and edged closer to a sensational record. The Portuguese midfielder is just one assist away from matching the Premier League’s record of most assists in a single season jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.

The Man Utd skipper also became the first player in the club to score or assist in seven consecutive matches in the league since Robin Van Persie, who had this feat in ten consecutive games back in 2010.

The 32-year-old is also the third player in the club's history to score or assist in eight consecutive appearances at Old Trafford after Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Fernandes was once again crucial, as his assist for the second goal ensured the result in United’s favour.

With nothing left to compete for this season, the Red Devils will aim to secure UCL qualification next gameweek as they host their arch-nemesis Liverpool. Carrick's side will then play Sunderland away and Nottingham Forest at home before their final game of the season against the high-flying Brighton, who are aiming for Europe this season as well.

Michael Carrick has nearly guaranteed Manchester United a spot in the Champions League: Is he deserving of a long-term position at Old Trafford?

Michael Carrick took charge of Manchester United after the Red Devils sacked former boss Ruben Amorim after a disastrous run in the league. The 44-year-old was appointed as an interim boss, but he has done a stellar job so far in the season. He has steered the club towards the Champions League from the shambles where Amorim had left the club.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are set to decide whether they stick with the Englishman or look for someone else next season. Carrick has managed to win nine games out of his thirteen games in charge of the first team, making himself a firm contender to be the boss next season.

Under the 44-year-old, Man Utd have been flawless in attack and are scoring goals at will, but defensively there have been issues just like their previous seasons.

"We have given ourselves a great chance [of reaching the Champions League]," said Carrick following the game against Brentford. (sic)

"These last two results have been big for that. It's that time of the season where it's crucial. To win again is a good habit to get used to, but it's an important one for us.” (sic)

He added, "The Champions League is not something we should be over-celebrating. It is one thing; we need to try and achieve it, but there is still more work to be done.” (sic)

With just four games remaining, United could seal UCL qualification with a win over their arch rival Liverpool next week. Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher feels that the Englishman has done everything right to sign the contract and take full control of Manchester United’s shop next season.

"He's going to be the Manchester United manager, certainly next season, no doubt about that, and you can't say he doesn't deserve it,” said Carragher. (sic)

He further said, “They are absolutely sensational results. They're the results of a title-winning team or a team going for the league. Now I know that pressure isn't on Manchester United right now; they haven't got European fixtures. All these other things will come into it, but I don't think anybody could have come in and done any better results-wise.” (sic)

Carrick deserves to be there next season, as his side have shown promise after a long time in the club's recent history. United have been tactically disciplined and improved a lot in the middle of the park. For a team that has lacked chemistry and coordination on the pitch, United finally look like a team with clear ideas and execution.

There is also an emotional pull with Michael Carrick, as he's spent the majority of his playing career at the club, and he has the Manchester United DNA. He understands the football culture at the club and the fans' expectations, and it's an advantage for a coach, as very few can handle the pressure of managing such a big club and its expectations.

The club has seen a lot of managers come and go in their recent years with different ideologies. Carrick offers a sense of continuity of the current streamlined flow of their performances, but sacking him again next season after a poor run of results would result in similar problems of their past.

If the club appoints the former midfielder as the boss next season, they'll have to trust the process and make the necessary changes to the midfield if they want to win trophies.

The Englishman need upgrades in the squad as they'll be playing in Europe next season. If Carrick can maintain similar consistency and grind results in big games, appointing him would be the easiest decision the club will be making. It would be a gamble just like they did with Ole, but it's worth the risk as the club's in desperate need of some stability.