MANCHESTER: Manchester United secured a crucial 3-1 win over Aston Villa, bolstering their top-four bid in the Premier League. Michael Carrick’s side, with goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, overcame a sluggish start and defeated top-four rivals Villa at Old Trafford.

United sit third in the league, three points ahead of Villa. Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe praised Carrick's 'excellent' work, though no long-term commitment has been made.

Cunha and Sesko's late goals sealed the win, while Barkley's equalizer briefly halted United’s momentum.