Manchester United strengthened their push for a top-four finish with a convincing 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
After a dull first half, United finally broke the deadlock early in the second period when Casemiro headed home from a corner delivered by Bruno Fernandes in the 53rd minute.
Villa responded in the 64th minute as Ross Barkley produced a powerful strike from close range to level the score.
However, United regained control shortly after. Matheus Cunha restored the lead in the 71st minute, finishing calmly after a brilliant through pass from Fernandes.
Substitute Benjamin Sesko sealed the victory in the 81st minute with a deflected effort.
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The win marked the seventh victory in nine matches for interim manager Michael Carrick, who has steadied the team following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
United now sit third in the Premier League, three points ahead of fourth-placed Villa in the race for Champions League qualification.
Fernandes was again influential, recording his 16th league assist of the season surpassing the club record of 15 set by David Beckham during the 1999-2000 campaign.
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest moved out of the relegation zone after a goalless draw against Fulham, while Leeds United held Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw despite playing with ten men.
Later on Sunday, struggling Tottenham Hotspur face a crucial clash with Liverpool as they battle to avoid slipping into the relegation zone.
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