Thoughts and analysis from hectic weekend of Premier League action
theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points from the weekend's slate of action in England's top flight.Home cooking has United bound for UCLManchester United passed another difficult test in their quest to secure a return to the Champions League next season. This time, it was a confident and organized performance against Europe-chasing Aston Villa that saw Erik ten Hag's Red Devils strengthen their grip on fourth place.Although Villa have been one of the hottest teams in England, entering Sunday's contest on a nine-game unbeaten run, Manchester United's recent spell of dominance at Old Trafford continued.A week after coughing up a two-goal lead at Tottenham Hotspur, it was one-way traffic for a Manchester United side that hasn't lost at home since October. The hosts dictated play and enjoyed plenty of chances before taking the lead, with Bruno Fernandes scoring off an Emiliano Martinez rebound before halftime.Victor Lindelof was especially important after Manchester United opted for a more cautious approach in the second half as Aston Villa pressed for an equalizer. A pair of vital blocks combined with a strong shutdown performance against red-hot Ollie Watkins helped to seal another home win while also dispelling concerns about the Swedish defender deputizing for injured regulars Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. Man Utd are the first team to prevent Aston Villa from scoring in a Premier League game since Unai Emery took charge.Old Trafford is built different.
theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points from the weekend's slate of action in England's top flight.
Home cooking has United bound for UCL
Manchester United passed another difficult test in their quest to secure a return to the Champions League next season. This time, it was a confident and organized performance against Europe-chasing Aston Villa that saw Erik ten Hag's Red Devils strengthen their grip on fourth place.
Although Villa have been one of the hottest teams in England, entering Sunday's contest on a nine-game unbeaten run, Manchester United's recent spell of dominance at Old Trafford continued.
A week after coughing up a two-goal lead at Tottenham Hotspur, it was one-way traffic for a Manchester United side that hasn't lost at home since October. The hosts dictated play and enjoyed plenty of chances before taking the lead, with Bruno Fernandes scoring off an Emiliano Martinez rebound before halftime.
Victor Lindelof was especially important after Manchester United opted for a more cautious approach in the second half as Aston Villa pressed for an equalizer. A pair of vital blocks combined with a strong shutdown performance against red-hot Ollie Watkins helped to seal another home win while also dispelling concerns about the Swedish defender deputizing for injured regulars Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. Man Utd are the first team to prevent Aston Villa from scoring in a Premier League game since Unai Emery took charge.
Old Trafford is built different.
What's Your Reaction?
