Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa: Bruno Fernandes on target as the Red Devils close in on a UEFA Champions League Spot>>>

Manchester United continued their push for the UEFA Champions League places, after defeating Aston Villa 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

An evenly balanced opening forty-five minutes saw both sides attempt to find the first goal of the game, though Brazilian midfielder Casemiro went close when his snapshot crashed against the crossbar in the 28th minute.

Alex Moreno went close but saw his effort going straight into the palms of David de Gea. The Red Devils got their goal in the 39th minute through Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes.

Marcus Rashford’s effort was initially saved by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but Fernandes followed up to lift a finish home. The half finished with the Red Devils holding the lead.

In the second period, Douglas Luiz was the first to arrive to a rebound inside the penalty area and unleashed a quick strike towards the roof of the net that beats the keeper, but Victor Lindelof made a goal-line clearance.

The result sees Manchester United still in fourth position on the table, behind Newcastle United who overcame Southampton.

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FULL-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa

HALF-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa (B. Fernandes)

39′ MIN: Bruno Fernandes gives Man Utd the lead. Emi Martinez makes a stretching save from Marcus Rashford, but Fernandes follows up to lift a finish home.

KICK-OFF AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 0-0 Aston Villa

Both sides take on each other, as they continue their quest to qualify for European football next season. The Red Devils are in the UEFA Champions League positions but are now nervously looking over their shoulders, following the remarkable run by Aston Villa.

A win should put United closer to the UCL but if they drop points, it could prove disastrous come the end of the campaign. Erik ten Hag’s side come into this clash having drawn 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspurs last time out.

As for the visitors, a superb run of positive results has seen them occupy fifth place on the Premier League standings and confidence is sky-high within the camp.

The Villans undoubtedly are the most-improved side, since manager Unai Emery took over the reigns at Villa Park. They will be hoping to get a good result against their hosts but the task seems difficult as the Red Devils are formidable here at Old Trafford.