An enriching display saw Manchester United register a comfortable victory over Brentford on Monday as the Red Devils move a step closer to securing Europa League football for next season. Despite a collective sense of imperviousness towards the team ahead of the fixture, a stimulating 3-0 victory saw the hosts, arguably, deliver the best performance of the campaign at Old Trafford.

A dominant display from start to finish saw the Red Devils deliver a coherent and invigorating performance on Monday. An exceptional cross, courtesy of Anthony Elanga, saw Bruno Fernandes break the deadlock in the ninth minute, giving United a vital lead at Old Trafford. A surprising performance soon followed as the hosts continued to dominate in possession, creating several goal-scoring opportunities before heading into the break.

To the surprise of many, Manchester United continued showing a palpable intensity on the pitch throughout the second half, as goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane against Brentford ensured the Red Devils snapped up only their second win in five Premier League outings.

With Ralf Rangnick likely to retain the same starting line-up at the weekend, United will be hoping to secure maximum points over the remaining fixtures. Having shown promising improvement in recent outings, the Red Devils seem likely to qualify for the Europa League next season.

Starting XI

David De Gea (GK) – 7/10: A reliable performer between the sticks, De Gea registered his first clean sheet in over eight Premier League outings on Monday. Expected to remain a pivotal part of the squad next season, the Spaniard will be keen on remaining a consistent performer until the end of the campaign.

Diogo Dalot (RB) – 7/10: A solid display saw Dalot equally contribute across both extremes of the pitch on Monday. Having justified his place in the starting line-up, the full-back emerges amongst the players most likely to improve his contributions over the coming weeks.

Victor Lindelof (RCB) – 8/10: A commanding performance saw Lindelof deliver a notable performance against Brentford. Having appeared to suitably complement Raphael Varane in recent fixtures, it remains to be seen if the Swedish international retains his place in the starting line-up over the remaining fixtures.

Raphael Varane (LCB) – 8/10: Another imposing display saw Varane remain a rock in United’s backline at Old Trafford. Having been the team’s most reliable defender this season, the Frenchman will be keen on remaining fit and contributing to the team’s prospects under the incoming manager.

Alex Telles (LB) – 7/10: An energetic presence on the left flank, Telles provided adequate support to United’s attacks on Monday. Having shown promising displays in recent outings, the Brazilian will be keen on finishing the season on a positive over the coming weeks.

Nemanja Matic (CDM) – 8/10: Amongst the best performers on the pitch, Matic’s contribution ensured Manchester United remained controlled and dominant in possession throughout the game against Brentford. Having been a vital part of the team’s improvement over recent weeks, the Serbian is likely to remain a part of the starting line-up over the remaining fixtures.

Scott McTominay (CM) – 6/10: Deployed in a supporting role in midfield, McTominay remained a reliable figure on Monday. Although yet to deliver consistent displays, the Scotsman is likely to remain a part of the starting line-up over the remainder of the season.

Juan Mata (CAM) – 8/10: Granted his first Premier League start of the campaign on Monday, Mata remained pivotal to United seeking and dominating possession against Brentford. Although expected to leave in the summer, the Spaniard is likely to retain his place in the starting line-up over the remaining fixtures.

Anthony Elanga (RW) – 7/10: A pulsating performance saw Elanga emerge amongst the best players on the pitch at Old Trafford. Having registered a highly-appreciated assist alongside executing his defensive duties diligently, the youngster is likely to retain his place in the starting line-up over the remaining fixtures.

Bruno Fernandes (LW) – 7/10: Composed on the ball, Fernandes delivered his best performance in recent months on Monday. Having shown a promising improvement, it remains to be seen if the midfielder finds consistency in displaying the same over the remaining fixtures.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – 8/10: Amongst the most committed players on the pitch, Ronaldo ensured he bagged a goal alongside remaining an energetic presence on the pitch throughout the game against Brentford. With his future at the club unlikely to be resolved until the summer, it remains to be seen if the maestro appears to have played his last game at Old Trafford.

Substitutes

Fred (CDM) – 6/10: Making his first appearance since returning from injury, the Brazilian delivered a decent cameo on Monday. With the midfield having delivered a pulsating display against the Bees, it remains to be seen if Fred finds himself in the starting line-up this weekend.

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Phil Jones (CB) – 6/10: Introduced to sure up the defence, Jones remained a reliable presence in the backline. Expected to leave the club this summer, the centre-back will be keen on gaining minutes before the end of the campaign.

Edinson Cavani (ST) – 6/10: A surprising introduction, Cavani delivered an average cameo on Monday. Amongst a raft of players expected to leave the club this summer, the Uruguayan will be looking to gain valuable minutes over the remaining fixtures.