Manchester United strengthened their grip on a top-four place by ending Aston Villa’s 10-match unbeaten run with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes’ shot deflected over Emiliano Martinez late in the first half after the goalkeeper had pushed away Marcus Rashford’s attempt. Erik ten Hag’s team then had to overcome a late scare when Victor Lindelof cleared off the line from Douglas Luiz.
But the win extends United’s advantage over Unai Emery’s in-form Villa to nine points and though one or both of Liverpool and Tottenham could close the gap later in the day, they are now well placed to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Aston Villa arrived full of confidence but the movement from Manchester United in attack was a constant problem for their defence, the high line in real danger of being breached from the outset. It was Rashford versus the offside trap all afternoon.
He beat it to latch onto a Fernandes pass but saw his shot saved by Martinez. The goalkeeper did the same for the breakthrough goal but might have done better that time – pushing the ball into the path of Fernandes, whose shot deflected over him.
It was no more than Ten Hag’s team deserved. They posed the greater threat throughout the first half, the recalled Marcel Sabitzer fizzing a shot over the bar and Casemiro having an effort of his own come back off the Aston Villa crossbar with Martinez beaten.
It was more even after the interval with Emery introducing Bertrand Traore in an attacking move. Luiz almost found the equaliser late in the game only for his shot to be headed away off the line by the excellent Lindelof, but United held on for a vital win.