Business as usual for Manchester United as they ran out 0-3 winners against relegation threatened Aston Villa. United are now 17 games unbeaten and only one point behind fourth place Leicester City and stay on course for a Champions League place.

United started the game slowly today and Villa had a couple of half chances to take the lead, most notably through Jack Grealish, who missed a volleyed chance at the back post. The 27th minute saw the turning point in the game when United were awarded an controversial penalty after Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have been fouled just inside the area. The man fouled, Fernandes stepped up and slotted home nicely from 12 yards. United doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime when Mason Greenwood rounded off a fine counter attack lashing home from just outside the box. United rounded off their scoring with a training ground corner, Fernandes finding Paul Pogba who finished nicely from a central position just outside the box. Another comfortable three points for Manchester United this evening as they become the first Premier League team to win four games by a margin of three goals or more. 

David De Gea – 7/10

Nothing to do tonight for the Spanish keeper but his distribution was good and he showed good handling.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6/10

Probably one of Aaron’s poorer performances since joining the club. He switched off a couple of times at the back post which could have proved costly early on. He also missed a glaring chance to score his first United goal in the second half.

Victor Lindelof – 7/10

A solid performance especially from a player who is probably not fully fit right now. Along with Harry Maguire they denied Villa many clear cut chances and the Swede was neat and tidy on the ball.

Harry Maguire – 7/10

Like Lindelof a routine game for Harry, he lead the back line well and they deservedly got their clean sheet.

Luke Shaw – 7/10

Played his part in a solid all round defensive performance. He kept getting forward right up to the last minute but will be wanting to improve his quality in the final third.

Nemanja Matic – 7/10

Continued his good form in that anchor role and celebrated his new contract with another good performance. He broke up play well and once again passed the ball well.

Paul Pogba – 8/10

Scored a great goal, United’s third and it was a goal that rounded off a fine performance from the Frenchman. You can see he’s loving playing in this midfield and we got a glimpse of what Pogba and Fernandes could be capable of for the third goal.

Bruno Fernandes – 8/10

Another influential performance from the Portuguese Magnifico. Not at his absolute best tonight but still with a goal and assist. He scored the crucial first from the spot and his quick thinking and expert execution from the corner lead to United’s third.

Marcus Rashford – 7/10

A decent performance from Marcus tonight but you still feel there’s more to come from him since the break, which can only bode well for the team.

Anthony Martial – 7.5/10

Got an assist to his name for United’s second and was unlucky not to score himself in the second half, hitting the woodwork. He was visibly disappointed to be brought off after 75 minutes without his goal which is great to see from a United supporters perspective.

Mason Greenwood – 8.5/10

Mason is just getting better and better and shows so much maturity for his age. He took up so many good positions in the game,with his decision making exemplary. His goal tonight was a hell of a strike with his right foot giving the keeper no chance. Right now the sky is the limit for the boy.

Substitutes

Scott Mctominay – 7/10

Replaced Matic and was equally comfortable in the middle of the park and help Unite maintain their midfield control

Brandon Williams – 7/10

Came on for a below-par Wan-Bissaka and did well on the right hand side which gave Solskjaer the chance to give Aaron a well earned rest.

Fred – 6/10

Failed to have any impact on the game and was booked for a needless challenge in the final stages of the game.

Daniel James 6.5/10

He looked lively coming on when opposition players were tiring but failed to have a meaningful impact late on.

Odion Igahlo 6/10

Nothing of note today from the Nigerian as he awaits his first Premier League goal for United. Him coming on though gave United the chance to rest Martial for the final 15 minutes,