Man United cruise past Villa to strengthen top-four hopes
Manchester United took a major stride towards next season’s Champions League after beating top-five rivals Aston Villa 3-1 in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United were in the ascendancy early on, but both sides failed to test either goalkeeper in the opening 20 minutes.
However, Amad Diallo almost broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, but Emiliano Martinez palmed away his header.
Bruno Fernandes found Diogo Dalot moments later, but he blasted his close-range effort well over the bar.
Fernandes sent his curling effort wide of the post on the stroke of half-time. The two sides went into the break goalless.
Casemiro gave the Red Devils the lead eight minutes after the restart, glancing home Fernandes’ corner at the near post.
Ross Barkley restored parity for the Villans in the 64th minute when he met Lucas Digne’s low cross with a first-time strike.
United retook the lead in the 71st minute via Matheus Cunha. He latched onto Fernandes’ defence-splitting pass and finished into the bottom corner.
Substitute Benjamin Sesko completed the scoring after his deflected strike nestled into the net.
The victory lifts United three points clear of fourth-placed Villa, reinforcing their hold on third place.