Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a crucial victory over top-five rivals Aston Villa.
Goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were enough to give Manchester United a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick was able to bounce back from his first defeat as interim head coach to pick up a priceless three points that leave United three points clear in third place in the Premier League table.
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Casemiro celebrates scoring for Manchester United vs Aston Villa.
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Winners
Casemiro – It is quickly becoming clear that Casemiro has saved his best season at United until last.
Once again, Bruno Fernandes assisted Casemiro from a set piece – it has been a reliable source of goals for the Red Devils this season. The task of replacing the Brazilian in the summer seems to get harder each week.
Matheus Cunha – From one Brazilian to another. Matheus Cunha scored his seventh goal of the season and his fourth in 2026.
Ever since the opening minutes, Gary Neville pointed out that Cunha was one of United’s biggest threats against Villa. He has made that left-wing spot his own and is a worthy wearer of the iconic No.10 shirt.
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Harry Maguire – At a time when Harry Maguire is in talks over a new contract, that is exactly the kind of performance that will help to convince Ineos that it is the right decision to keep him around.
Maguire was solid at the back alongside Leny Yoro, dominating in the air and also handling Ollie Watkins with ease.
Amad Diallo – At the end of last season, Amad Diallo dropped a masterclass against Villa under Ruben Amorim.
After missing out on a starting spot against Newcastle last time out, Amad was recalled by Michael Carrick and was a threat on the right. He came close to scoring in the first half when his snap header drew a brilliant save from Emi Martinez.
Bruno Fernandes – Two assists at Old Trafford means that Bruno Fernandes is edging closer to the Premier League record in a single season.
It is now 16 assists in the Premier League this season, and four in his last three. He is five away from beating the record with eight league matches remaining. The race is on.
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Getty Images.
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Manchester United vs Aston Villa.
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Losers
Unai Emery – This is not the first time that Unai Emery has tasted defeat at the hands of Michael Carrick after losing to his United side with Villarreal in 2021.
There was still an outside chance of Emery competing for the United job in the summer, but Carrick came out on top in their touchline showdown. Carrick proved he can bounce back from defeat and convincingly beat a Champions League contender, which strengthens his chance of getting the job in the summer.
Bryan Mbeumo – It has now been five consecutive league matches without a goal for Mbeumo. Carrick started him up front again, but he had little impact on the match before being replaced with 15 minutes to go.
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to score… again. It only adds to Carrick’s dilemma of who should be starting up front.
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