"Best I've seen": Maguire blown away by what unstoppable Man Utd hero has done this season

Manchester United defeated Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford on Monday evening.

This Premier League victory means that United are now just three points away from returning to the UEFA Champions League.

Casemiro got the hosts up and running with a brilliantly timed header in the 11th minute.

Benjamin Sesko doubled the lead on the cusp of the interval after brilliant play by Bruno Fernandes.

Brentford pulled one back late on, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

Kobbie Mainoo and Senne Lammens both shone for United, but former club captain Harry Maguire was quick to single out Casemiro for special praise.

Maguire said after the game (via Sky Sports): “I thought I was good at heading and attacking the box until I met Casemiro. He’s timing, his aggression, his leap – it’s the best I’ve seen and worked with.

“He’s so clinical. Without his goal we wouldn’t have been nowhere near where we are in the table.”

Casemiro is proving irreplaceable

Fernandes delivered a teasing, looping corner to Maguire at the back post. The England international nodded the ball across goal, where Casemiro rose highest to head home emphatically.

The opener came at the perfect moment, with the Red Devils already dominating proceedings.

The Brazilian is set to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of June.

After netting his ninth goal of the season, it is becoming increasingly clear that INEOS face an almost impossible task in replacing him.

There is no other defensive midfielder in the Premier League who has the same level of influence in the final third.

He may no longer possess acceleration or the stamina to cover every blade of grass, but his intelligence and awareness allow him to control games and win back possession.

Casemiro plays with his heart on his sleeve and has firmly established himself as a fan favourite.

He has never disrespected the club and still plays with the hunger of someone yet to win a single trophy. In reality, he is one of the most decorated midfielders of all time.

It is easy to understand why Maguire is so full of admiration for the five-time UEFA Champions League winner.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .