Manchester United moved level on points with Premier League defending champions and leaders Liverpool as a Bruno Fernandes penalty saw off stubborn Aston Villa 2:1.
Manchester United moved level on points with Premier League defending champions and leaders Liverpool as a Bruno Fernandes penalty saw off stubborn Aston Villa 2:1.
Bertrand Traore’s calm finish underneath David de Gea had deservedly drawn Villa level, cancelling out Anthony Martial’s stooping first-half header for the hosts.
But Fernandes’ penalty extended United’s hold over Villa – they have now won 32 and lost just one of the past 44 league meetings between the sides – and leaves Liverpool top only by virtue of goal difference.
Fernandes netted his 11th English Premier League goal in the 2020/21 season and his fifth from the spot into the bottom corner to punish Douglas Luiz’s clip on Paul Pogba and hand United an eighth win in 10 games.
Manchester United took the lead from the first half as Anthony Martial converted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross. Bertrand Traore’s calm finish underneath David de Gea had deservedly drawn Villa level, cancelling out Anthony Martial’s goal.
The Portuguese international’s penalty extended Manchester United’s hold over Villa. They have now won 32 and lost just one of the past 44 league meetings between the sides – and leaves Liverpool top only by virtue of goal difference.