Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško struck late at Old Trafford to secure a 3-1 victory for Manchester United, keeping Michael Carrick’s side firmly in third place.
After a scoreless first half, the game ignited in the 53rd minute when Casemiro flicked home a Bruno Fernandes corner.
The veteran Brazilian, playing his final months at the club, received a standing ovation from the home crowd as fans chanted for “one more year.”
Villa briefly threatened a comeback when Ross Barkley leveled on his first league start in 14 months, but United’s quality eventually told. Fernandes turned provider again, slipping a perfect through-ball to Cunha, who restored the lead with a clinical low finish.
Substitute Benjamin Šeško then sealed the points with a deflected effort, marking his eighth goal in ten games. The defeat is Villa’s third straight in the league, leaving Unai Emery’s side sweating on Champions League qualification.
Michael Carrick secures his sixth successive home win, a feat bettered only by a handful of legendary Premier League managers.
For Villa, a lack of clinical finishing and defensive lapses continue to haunt their European push.
