MAN UTD 1, ASTON VILLA 0
Bruno Fernandes helped Manchester United strengthen their hold on a top-four Champions League spot.
The Reds’ captain struck the only goal of the game as they ended Aston Villa’s 10-match unbeaten run which had lifted them from obscurity to sixth spot.
It temporarily, at least, extended their advantage over fifth-placed Tottenham to nine points, though Spurs were later in action at Liverpool.
While Fernandes was rightly lauded for his all-action display, United also had another unsung hero in Victor Lindelof.
The centre back came to the Reds’ rescue with a spectacular headed goalline clearance to keep out a goalbound effort from Douglas Luiz.
That helped United extend their unbeaten home league run to 15 home league games – 12 wins and three draws – on a day when there was a massive march from Manchester city centre to Old Trafford by fans continuing protests against the Glazer family, owners of the club.
Embed from Getty ImagesUnited manager Erik ten Hag said: “A good three points but I think an impressive performance. We were magnificent on the ball, had good possession and pressed well.
“In the second half you want to go 2-0 ahead but we didn’t so it’s always going to be a tough finish.
“Today you saw a determined and passionate team in the second half which wanted to win more than the opponent.”
Ten Hag, who pointed out his side is in control of the race for the top four, described it as a “brilliant week” after winning their FA Cup semi-final against Brighton and their first-half display in the 2-2 draw at Tottenham on Thursday.
He also praised the performances of Victor Lindelof, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
Ten Hag added: “Victor Lindelof played brilliant. He was totally in control in the area around [Ollie] Watkins.
“Bruno [Fernandes] had another great game. The plan was to play him from the right to make runs behind and he did that so well. I think our plan worked very well.
“Casemiro brought organisation and leadership and he was an important player for us.”
Villa manager Unai Emery expected more from his players, explaining: “I am a little bit disappointed as I think we could have done better.
“Today was a good test. We didn’t play well in the first half but improved in the second.
“When it was 1-0, we can have some moments to score. We still have possibilities to get a Europa League place.”
United made two changes from the side which drew 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
Tyrell Malacia and Marcel Sabitzer came into the side with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Antony dropping to the bench.
Club captain Harry Maguire was not fully fit but was on the bench.: BBC Sport
Emery’s Villa were unchanged from their 1-0 win over Fulham on Tuesday.
It was the fourth successive game in which Villa were unchanged.
Rashford featured prominently in the early exchanges.
First, he was put clean through but amazingly shot wide, but was saved by an assistant referee’s flag for offside.
Rashford was then denied by a vital block by Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez before slipping a pass to release Sabitzer who shot narrowly over.
Villa survived and might have snatched a 19th minute lead with their first clear-cut chance of the match as Alex Moreno’s effort was well kept out by David De Gea.
Casemiro came within a lick of paint of giving United the lead when his effort crashed against the crossbar.
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute from Fernandes with his 100th career league goal.
Rashford broke clear on the left and his shot was parried by Martinez diving full length low to his left with Fernandes, following in, slotting home the rebound from six yards.
There was an anxious wait for a VAR check for a possible offside against Rashford before Fernandes was awarded his 11th goal of the season.
United might have doubled their lead in stoppage time when Martinez made a flying save to deny Fernandes who was having a fine match.
The start to the second half was a slow burner until United carved out two chances in quick succession to build on their advantage.
Rashford’s deflected effort was saved by Martinez while Casemiro bent an effort from 25 yards narrowly wide of the upright.
United made their first two changes with 14 minutes left as Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho made way for Fred and Antony.
Villa were denied an equaliser in the 81st minute when Douglas Luiz’ effort was spectacularly headed off the line by Victor Lindelof.
There were a couple of other anxious moments for the Reds defensively as Villa pressed for an equaliser prompting ten Hag to make two further changes as Sabitzer and Rashford were replaced by Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial.