MANCHESTER UNITED took a huge step towards securing a top four finish with a narrow win over one of their nearest rivals.
They were grateful for a towering defensive display from Victor Lindelof who kept Aston Villa’s in-form Ollie Watkins and the visitors forwards quiet.
Here's how SunSport rated the performances in the 1-0 win.
DAVID DE GEA: 6
Shanked one of his early pass but dashed out in the second half to calmly head the ball away from danger. Might have expected to be busier against an in-form Villa side but did what he had to do well enough. 6
DIOGO DALOT: 7
Moved over to the right and looked more comfortable there. Cleared one off line in the first half when under pressure from Watkins. Managed to keep Ramsey and the Villa forwards down his flank quiet. 7
VICTOR LINDELOF: 9
Superb performance. Vital header to prevent a certain goal for Watkins. Great tackle to deflect Ramsey’s shot over the bar. Headed one off the line late on from Luiz although it might not have counted anyway. 9
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LUKE SHAW: 7
Stepped in with Maguire injured at centre back – his England team-mate was only on the bench. Formed a decent partnership with Lindelof to keep in-form Watkins quiet and ensure injured pair Varane and Martinez are not missed too much. 7
TYRELL MALACIA: 7
Nice pass to Rashford early on but the forward was denied by Martinez. Great tackle on McGinn when the Villa man was poised to shoot. Gave away a late free-kick that could have proved costly. 7
CASEMIRO: 8
Curled shot against bar after good work by Sancho. Low shot from 20 yards in second half had Martinez scrambling but drifted just wide. United look a much more stable team with the Brazilian in the team. 8
MARCEL SABITZER: 6
Volley over bar early on when he should have hit the target. Influence on the game started to wane in the second half and he was sacrificed late on to get the extra defender on in Maguire. 6
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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN: 6
Disappointing cross when he raced clear and had options. Dragged a shot well wide just afterwards. Had been bright early on but he fizzled out and ten Hag threw on Fred late on to give his team more legs. 6
JADON SANCHO: 6
Some nice touches but not much of an end product from the England man. Twisted and turned his way into United box early in second half but passed up opportunities to shoot and the chance was gone. 6
BRUNO FERNANDES: 7
Cross shot almost caught out Martinez – was on hand to pounce when Martinez made a mess of Rashford’s tame shot. Celebrated in front of the Villa fans as he rammed their taunts back down their throat. 7
MARCUS RASHFORD: 7
Low effort saved by Martinez. Played his part in the opener but would have been disappointed with connection that was spilled by the Villa keeper. Felt he should have had a pen when he was bundled over by Chambers. 7
Substitutes
FRED for Eriksen 75 – came on to calm things down and got booked for time-wasting 6
ANTONY for Sancho 75 – Fluffed a late chance to make the game safe. 6
MARTIAL for Rashford 86 – Not much time to make any impact. 6
MAGUIRE for Sabitzer 86 – Got a couple of important clearances in as United held firm. 6
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