Manchester United moved closer to securing a Champions League spot with a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko sealed the win, despite Ross Barkley's equaliser for Villa.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a header from a Bruno Fernandes corner. Barkley levelled for Villa with a powerful left-footed strike, but Cunha restored United's lead in the 71st minute with a curling finish after a superb pass from Fernandes, who reached 100 assists for the club. Sesko added a third in the 81st minute after a deflected cross from Cunha.
Interim manager Michael Carrick praised his side's performance but remained focused on the challenges ahead. 'We can enjoy winning, but we are keeping a lid on it and understanding what it takes to win games like today,' he said. 'We are in a good position but still have a lot to play for.'
The victory leaves United in third place, while Villa have now lost three consecutive league matches for the first time under Unai Emery. Emery admitted United were 'at a high level' and that facing them was 'a huge challenge'.
