Manchester United strengthened their push for a top four finish in the Premier League with a crucial 3 1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The win gave interim manager Michael Carrick his seventh victory in nine matches since taking charge, further boosting United’s chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season.
After a slow first half United finally broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. A corner from Bruno Fernandes found Casemiro who timed his run perfectly to head the ball past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for the opening goal.
Villa responded in the 64th minute when Ross Barkley fired a powerful shot past United goalkeeper Senne Lammens after the home side failed to clear their lines.
United regained control in the 71st minute through Matheus Cunha who finished calmly after a brilliant assist from Fernandes. The pass marked Fernandes’ 16th league assist of the season moving him past the club record previously held by David Beckham during the 1999 2000 campaign.
Substitute Benjamin Sesko sealed the victory in the 81st minute with a deflected strike shortly after coming off the bench.
The result leaves Manchester United third in the league table three points ahead of Aston Villa in the race for Champions League qualification.
Elsewhere Nottingham Forest moved out of the relegation zone after a goalless draw with Fulham at the City Ground.
Leeds United also secured a 0 0 draw away to Crystal Palace despite playing with ten men after Gabriel Gudmundsson was sent off just before half time.
Later on Sunday Tottenham Hotspur were set to face Liverpool in a crucial clash as Spurs battle to avoid relegation following a poor run of form under interim coach Igor Tudor.
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