Manchester United took a huge step towards Champions League football with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes pulled the strings in midfield as goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko cancelled out a Ross Barkley strike for the away side.
Carrick made two changes to his line up with Diogo Dalot and Amad Diallo brought in from the start. United struggled to make the most of balls into the box without the aerial threat of Sesko, but went close to an opener when Amad forced a fine stop from Emiliano Martinez. Diogo Dalot enjoyed one of the few chances of the first half when he latched onto a brilliant Bruno Fernandes pass but blazed an effort over the bar.
United were much better after the restart and soon took the lead when Casemiro headed in from a Fernandes corner. Villa levelled through Barkley, but it didn't last long as Cunha was played through by Fernandes and finished calmly into the far corner. Sesko was introduced from the bench and wrapped up the win when his deflected effort found the back of the net.
Here is how we rated the United players at Old Trafford:
1. Senne Lammens - 6
A quiet afternoon in goal. An alert stop to deny Onana an equaliser but nothing he could do to deny Barkley. | Getty Images
2. Diogo Dalot - 6.5
Provided an outlet from the right-back role, but wasted an excellent chance to score early on. A good piece of defending to deny Abraham. | AFP via Getty Images
3. Leny Yoro - 7.5
Good last-ditch defending on a couple of occasions to deny Villa.He made important contributions and was physically involved. | Getty Images
4. Harry Maguire - 7
Read the game well and thwarted most Villa danger. He rarely looked troubled in the heart of defence. | AFP via Getty Images