This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
On July 9, Manchester United made a crucial move towards securing a top four finish in the Premier League by defeating Aston Villa 3-0 at Villa Park.
The Red Devils' victory, which was sealed with goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, and Paul Pogba, saw them move within just a point of the top four.
Greenwood and Fernandes were instrumental in United's first-half dominance, with the pair finding the back of the net to leave the hosts trailing.
Despite Aston Villa's best efforts, including a missed chance from Jack Grealish and a shot from Trezeguet that hit the post, United punished them with Fernandes' penalty goal in the 28th minute.
Greenwood doubled the advantage for United at the stroke of half-time, powering home an explosive finish to make it 2-0.
The second half saw United continue their dominance, with Pogba curling a low shot off Fernandes' assist to put the game beyond the hosts.
Anthony Martial had a chance to make it 4-0 for United, but his shot hit the bar instead, as the fixture finished 3-0 at Villa Park.
With the win, United remain fifth on the standings with 58 points, just one off fourth-placed Leicester City and two off Chelsea who occupy third place.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, face the prospect of dropping back to the Championship as they are four points off safety in 18th with just four matches to wrap up the campaign.
