Back to winning ways: Bruno & The Brazilians launch United past Aston Villa

It seems that the Champions League anthem will be heard and sung at Old Trafford next season!

In a direct duel of two teams fighting for a place in the elite European competition, Manchester United smashed Aston Villa 3-1 and made it clear who is the main favourite to grab the third spot in the Premier League, right behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

After a forgettable and goalless first half, the second period brought genuine fireworks and as many as four goals.

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Led by Bruno Fernandes and his amazing creativity, the Red Devils took the lead twice (in the 53rd and 71st minutes), thanks to two Brazilians - Casemiro’s header and Matheus Cunha’s calm finish. In the meantime, Ross Barkley levelled the score, but it was the only memorable moment of the Villans’ performance today at the Theatre of Dreams.

Benjamin Sesko put the cherry on top of United’s victory, making it 3-1 in the 81st minute, just six minutes after coming off the bench.

The Red Devils are now third in the Premier League with a well-earned three-point advantage ahead of Aston Villa.

After the stunning defeat against ten-man Newcastle - Michael Carrick's first at United's bench - the Red Devils were keen on instantly getting back to winning ways. However, it wasn't so easy against the sturdy Villans.

The home team was dominant and much more concrete in the first half, but Amad Diallo's header, which Emiliano Martinez saved, and Diogo Dalot's awful strike, far over the bar from a promising position inside the box, were their only chances to break the deadlock before the break.

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Nevertheless, the second half was a whole other story, as United continued pressing the rivals, but this time, it paid off, as they netted three goals! Eight minutes after the break, Casemiro broke the deadlock with a skillful header following Bruno Fernandes' corner-kick cross, reminding the club's officials that they'll have a hard task to find a replacement for him.

The visitors weren't ready to give up, as they bounced back just 11 minutes later, again after a corner kick. This time, the Red Devils failed to clear the ball from their box properly, and Ross Barkley seized the chance to level the score and crown the period of Villa's fantastic display with a goal.

However, the midfielder's equalizer woke up United and this time, they took no prisoners. Seven minutes later, Bruno sent another terrific pass, splitting the rivals' defence, and Matheus Cunha put Carrick's crew back in front. In the 81st minute, Benjamin Sesko netted his fourth goal in the last five games, just six minutes after coming off the bench, sealing the deal for United's new victory.

The Red Devils are now alone in the third Premier League place, as this triumph have them a three-point advantage ahead of Villa, whose UCL dreams may be shattered soon, if they do not overcome this crisis shortly.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 30

Saturday

Burnley - Bournemouth 0-0

Sunderland - Brighton 0-1 (0-0)

/Minteh 58/

Arsenal - Everton 2-0 (0-0)

/Gyokeres 89, Dowman 90+7/

Chelsea - Newcastle 0-1 (0-1)

/Gordon 18/

West Ham - Manchester City 1-1 (1-1)

/Mavropanos 35 - Silva 31/

Sunday

Crystal Palace - Leeds 0-0

Manchester United - Aston Villa 3-1 (0-0)

/Casemiro 53, Cunha 71, Sesko 81 - Barkley 64/

Nottingham Forest - Fulham 0-0

19.30: (1.33) Liverpool (5.50) Tottenham (8.50)

Monday

23.00: (1.60) Brentford (3.90) Wolverhampton (5.80)

***odds are subject to change***