Manchester United’s chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League improved as Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko scored late goals in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

The success retains United in third place in the Premier League table and extends interim manager Michael Carrick’s remarkable record at Old Trafford, where he has now won six straight home games.

The first half brought few obvious opportunities, with both teams trying to find rhythm.

After the break, United captain Bruno Fernandes took control of the game.

Fernandes provided a dangerous near-post corner after Emiliano Martinez had previously denied Bryan Mbeumo.

Midfielder Casemiro met the cross with a flicked header that looped past Martinez and into the net via the far post.

Villa answered 11 minutes later, when Ross Barkley, making his first Premier League start in 14 months, scored a crisp equaliser to put the visitors back in the game.

United reclaimed control in the final stages, thanks to another outstanding performance by Fernandes.

His exquisite through pass put Cunha racing behind the Villa defence, and the Brazilian calmly sent a low shot into the far corner.

Substitute Sesko clinched the victory late on. The forward, who has been in excellent scoring form, turned inside the area and had his shot deflect past Martinez, bringing his total to eight goals in his last ten games.

The victory enhances United’s position in the Champions League battle, but Villa’s uneven performance continues.

The Midlands club has now won only three of their previous 12 league games, putting their chances of qualifying for Europe’s top competition under threat.

Kindly Share

Related Video