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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dominic Booth

Manchester United player ratings vs Aston Villa: Victor Lindelof impresses on rare off day for Marcus Rashford

Manchester United secured a vital win in their hunt for a top four finish, as Bruno Fernandes’ first Premier League goal since the start of February proved enough to beat Aston Villa.

Fernandes pounced just before half-time, after Emi Martinez’ pushed away Marcus Rashford’s low shot. The 1-0 puts United in pole position to qualify for the Champions League. It also ends Villa’s 10-match unbeaten run and extinguishes any feint hopes of a top four finish for Unai Emery’s side.

Here’s how the players rated at Old Trafford...

David De Gea - 7

Made a couple of regulation saves but wasn’t troubled regularly enough by the Villa attack.

Diogo Dalot - 6

Back at right-back after a couple of games on the other side and largely comfortable.

(Manchester United via Getty Images)

Victor Lindelof - 8

Continues to impress in the absence of United’s first-choice defensive duo. Sensational late clearance off the line.

Luke Shaw - 7

As solid a centre-back performance as you could imagine, especially from a left-back specialist.

Tyrell Malacia - 7

Great challenge to deny John McGinn and defensively very vigilant. A big improvement on recent displays.

Casemiro - 7

Had a great first half chance but struck the crossbar. Alert play kept United in control most of the time.

Christian Eriksen - 7

His passing, as always, got United ticking. Replaced by Fred to shore the game up.

Marcel Sabitzer - 6

Volleyed over the crossbar early on, always energetic but had less impact after the break.

Bruno Fernandes - 7

Started a little quieter than normal, stationed on the right flank, but reacted superbly to score the game’s defining goal.

(Manchester United via Getty Images)

Jadon Sancho - 6

Looks to be getting his confidence back, slowly but surely, after scoring against Spurs. Dangerous at times.

Marcus Rashford - 6

Offside too often in the early stages and squandered some huge chances that could have made it more comfortable.

Substitutes

Antony (Sancho ‘75) - 6

Bright off the bench.

Fred (Eriksen ‘75) - 6

Determined play in midfield kept Villa at bay.

Harry Maguire (Sabitzer ‘86) - N/A

Anthony Martial (Rashford ‘86) - N/A

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