The
difference with Villa was a staggering 11 points when Michael Carrick took
control at Old Trafford in January. After two months, the situation has
significantly improved for United, who are now undoubtedly the favorites to
finish in third place.
After
defeating Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford to gain a three-point lead over their
Midlands rivals, Manchester United assumed command of the fight for Champions
League spot.
Unai Emery's team has scored fewer points than Wolves, the worst team, since
the start of the season, but United is on a roll because of Carrick's mastery
of his fifth home victory since taking over and seventh overall.
The
creative genius Bruno Fernandes was at it once more, first Casemiro from a
corner and then Matheus Cunha with a line-breaking pass that was expertly weighted.
Just before Cunha scored his goal, Ross Barkley had tied the score, but that
was Villa's only bright spot in an otherwise lackluster performance. They
appear utterly exhausted.
The hosts continued their dominance as the game went on. After Cunha's cross
was blocked, Benjamin Sesko made an immediate impact from the bench by jumping
on a loose ball in the box. At this point, victory was now certain.
Later on, Fernandes sent Sesko sprinting away to cap off another excellent
performance and record a hat-trick of assists, but the super-sub mishandled his
shot.
Regardless
of other outcomes on Sunday, Man Utd will lead Villa by three points in the
Premier League, and Villa will have to worry about their future.
Only three of Unai Emery's team's last 12 league games have been victories, and
they don't seem to have the motivation to keep up in this exciting European
competition.
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