Manchester United secured a vital win in their hunt for a top four finish, as Bruno Fernandes’ first Premier League goal since the start of February proved enough to beat Aston Villa.
Fernandes pounced just before half-time, after Emi Martinez’ pushed away Marcus Rashford’s low shot. The 1-0 puts United in pole position to qualify for the Champions League. It also ends Villa’s 10-match unbeaten run and extinguishes any feint hopes of a top four finish for Unai Emery’s side.
Here’s how the players rated at Old Trafford...
David De Gea - 7
Made a couple of regulation saves but wasn’t troubled regularly enough by the Villa attack.
Diogo Dalot - 6
Back at right-back after a couple of games on the other side and largely comfortable.
Victor Lindelof - 8
Continues to impress in the absence of United’s first-choice defensive duo. Sensational late clearance off the line.
Luke Shaw - 7
As solid a centre-back performance as you could imagine, especially from a left-back specialist.
Tyrell Malacia - 7
Great challenge to deny John McGinn and defensively very vigilant. A big improvement on recent displays.
Casemiro - 7
Had a great first half chance but struck the crossbar. Alert play kept United in control most of the time.
Christian Eriksen - 7
His passing, as always, got United ticking. Replaced by Fred to shore the game up.
Marcel Sabitzer - 6
Volleyed over the crossbar early on, always energetic but had less impact after the break.
Bruno Fernandes - 7
Started a little quieter than normal, stationed on the right flank, but reacted superbly to score the game’s defining goal.
Jadon Sancho - 6
Looks to be getting his confidence back, slowly but surely, after scoring against Spurs. Dangerous at times.
Marcus Rashford - 6
Offside too often in the early stages and squandered some huge chances that could have made it more comfortable.
Substitutes
Antony (Sancho ‘75) - 6
Bright off the bench.
Fred (Eriksen ‘75) - 6
Determined play in midfield kept Villa at bay.
Harry Maguire (Sabitzer ‘86) - N/A
Anthony Martial (Rashford ‘86) - N/A
Subs unused: Butland, Wan-Bissaka, Williams, Pellistri, Weghorst.
