Manchester United returned to winning ways at Old Trafford, beating Aston Villa 3-1 to strengthen their grip on a top-four spot. The victory made Michael Carrick only the fourth manager in Premier League history to win his first six consecutive home games in the competition.
The first half was largely forgettable, with neither side creating much of note. United had the better of it without really threatening, and Villa offered very little going forward.
The second half was a different story entirely. United broke the deadlock within ten minutes of the restart when Casemiro darted to the near post and guided Bruno Fernandes’ delivery past Emiliano Martínez. Villa hit back almost immediately, with Ross Barkley sweeping home at the far post to level things up.
United were not behind for long, however. Fernandes threaded a brilliant pass in behind the Villa defence for Matheus Cunha, who calmly slotted into the far corner to restore the lead. With nine minutes remaining, substitute Benjamin Šeško wrapped things up, his effort going in via a double deflection.
The win moves United three points clear of Villa in the table. The result was the Bruno Fernandes show, as he moved to 16 Premier League assists this season, more than any United player has ever managed in a single campaign.
