Scott McTominay’s late winner earned Manchester United a first away league victory against a top-nine side under Erik ten Hag, as Aston Villa were beaten 2-1 to blow the race for Champions League football wide open.
In-form United started fast at Villa Park and took a deserved lead through Rasmus Hojlund’s fifth goal in five Premier League games.
Villa dominated the big chances but found Andre Onana in inspired form, with the United goalkeeper making four big saves, including two from Ollie Watkins.
The pressure eventually told as Douglas Luiz fired home from Leon Bailey’s cross with over 20 minutes to go – but United had the last laugh.
Substitute McTominay headed Diogo Dalot’s first-time cross in from close range with four minutes of normal time to play to earn United a precious three points, which moves them within five points of fifth-placed Villa.
How Man Utd ended their away day hoodoo
Villa controlled the first-half possession but United looked dangerous on the break early on. Bruno Fernandes fed Hojlund in the penalty area only for the striker to sky his close-range effort, while Alejandro Garnacho blasted a long-range effort wide.
Then came the opening goal as Fernandes’ corner found Harry Maguire – who had escaped Boubacar Kamara’s clutches – at the far post, leaving the onside Hojlund the simple task of tapping home.
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Rasmus Hojlund breaks free to volley Man Utd into an early lead
Villa’s response to the early setback was excellent. John McGinn forced an acrobatic tip over from United goalkeeper Onana, who was also equal to Watkins’ one-on-one inside the box as the hosts opened up Ten Hag’s side in a sweeping move.
Jacob Ramsey, who had a bright game in midfield, then put an effort from inside the box wide as Villa ended the opening period strongly.
Man Utd took the influential Luke Shaw off at half-time due to injury and it took just three minutes for replacement Victor Lindelof to make a big error.
The Swede gifted the ball to Matty Cash deep in the United half and he squared to Watkins who looked certain to score – but once again hit Onana.
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Andre Onana denies Ollie Watkins from point-blank range!
Ramsey had two more chances, failing to trap Bailey’s incisive pass for a one-on-one, before seeing a low shot blocked by Dalot on the line.
Eventually, the pressure told. Onana made another point-blank save from Clement Lenglet from a corner but, after United cleared, Bailey put the ball back in the mixer for Luiz to fire high into the net.
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Douglas Luiz puts Villa level with a cool finish
United tried to respond straight away as Garnacho fired wide of the near post after a mazy run – but Villa stepped back on the throttle.
Luiz had a big chance following Dalot’s poor clearance but the midfielder failed to make a big connection. Substitute Moussa Diaby then curled over as Villa looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
Back came United as Garnacho fired straight at Emiliano Martinez after another solo run. But United’s late winner came from a familiar source.
Dalot’s instinctive cross was headed home by McTominay from close-range, which could be a massive goal in the context of the top-four race.
What’s next?
Aston Villa return to Premier League action on Saturday. They travel to Fulham on February 17; kick-off 3pm.
Man Utd are back on Super Sunday next weekend. They travel to Luton in the Premier League on February 18, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 4.30pm.
Sunday 18th February 4:00pm
Kick off 4:30pm
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