Manchester United took a massive step toward securing Champions League football with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Manchester United took the lead through Casemiro early in the second half after yet another sublime Bruno Fernandes set-piece.
Villa struck back with a goal that looked potentially offside, but they weren’t level long as Fernandes sent Matheus Cunha through one-on-one, and he finished the move delightfully.
The win was then secured by Benjamin Sesko, who scored a great striker’s goal minutes after coming off the bench.
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Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal with Bruno Fernandes during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Once again, the question will be asked: Where would United be without Bruno Fernandes?
Fortunately, we don’t know the answer as Fernandes has been exceptional this season again, and he starred against Villa.
In a game where United created very little, Fernandes broke open the Villa defence for both goals for his 15th and 16th goals of the season in the league.
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The all-time league record is getting ever closer, and in this form, it seems inevitable that Fernandes makes it happen.
Benjamin Sesko is back in his super sub role
Dropped from the starting line-up against Villa, Sesko emerged from the bench with a point to prove, and he once again made an impact.
He had only been on the pitch a few minutes, but showcased his brilliance in the box to pounce on a loose ball and shoot on the turn to make it 3-1, wrapping up the game.
Sesko, as a super sub, has an almost 100% goal ratio, so while he is hard to deny starting, off the bench, he is almost too deadly not to deploy.
What is your IMMEDIATE reaction as United beat Villa?
Is Champions League football all but guaranteed?
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Replacing Casemiro will be the task of the summer for United
Casemiro’s importance to United was on show again against Villa as he scored a seventh goal of the season to take the lead.
This was once again just a reminder that finding a replacement for the Brazilian will be a monumental task, with his impact in terms of goals and leadership impossible to recreate.
United might be able to upgrade in terms of mobility, athleticism, and passing. But we will miss his goals and leadership next season. His status as a cult hero should be secured.
Matheus Cunha scores a brilliant goal
Cunha pointed at Fernandes to acknowledge his assist after the goal was scored by the Brazilian, but it wasn’t like the Portuguese midfielder put it on a plate for him.
Cunha still had loads to do after the pass, and he did every step of his requirement with perfection.
The control, dribble and finally finish were all absolutely perfect, and it was a simple goal in the end, made simple by how good Cunha is.
This game was always going to be a six-pointer with both sides fighting inside the top four, and after picking up the win, it is advantage United.
With this win, United have a gap to all three other Champions League hopefuls. Six on Chelsea, three on Villa and at least three on Liverpool.
It’s far from over, but United play both Chelsea and Liverpool soon, winning both could all but guarantee qualification.
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