Fernandes bounces back from blast as Man Utd beat Aston Villa

Ten Hag previews Man Utd's Premier League match against Aston Villa

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes scored the only goal of the game as the Red Devils beat Aston Villa 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. The Portugal international broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, converting after a save from Emiliano Martinez. And the result means Erik ten Hag’s side are now closer than ever to sealing a return to the Champions League.

Manchester United had gone into their match against Villa looking to bounce back after throwing away a two-goal lead in their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Thursday night.

And the Red Devils did exactly that, with Fernandes the hero of the hour.

The Portugal international, who impressed on the right wing during his side’s victory, struck in the 39th minute after Martinez had saved from Marcus Rashford.

Fernandes’ goal took a deflection off Alex Moreno but, in the end, was enough to give United all three points.

Express Sport now takes a look at four things we learned from the contest at Old Trafford.

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Fernandes bounces back

During the first half of United’s clash with Villa, Fernandes went down and was unhappy at the failure of the referee to give the decision his way.

And he then received a blast from Jadon Sancho, who told the Portugal international to ‘stop moaning’.

Fortunately for United, Fernandes was then able to bounce back by helping to inspire the Red Devils to victory.

His strike just before half-time was the 100th league career goal of his glittering career, with the midfielder as important as ever at Old Trafford.

Whether he can now help United finish the season on a high remains to be seen.

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Casemiro returns to form

Casemiro was criticised for his performance in midweek after struggling with the intensity during United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

However, this was a far better display from the Brazil international.

Yes, Casemiro was rather fortunate to avoid a yellow card in the first half for a bruising tackle on Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

Yet the former Real Madrid star was disciplined and diligent, helping United win the midfield battle and claim all three points.

Casemiro has been arguably the Red Devils’ best player this season and, without him, it’s feasible they’d be far lower in the Premier League table.

United still not clinical enough

Throughout the course of the season so far, Ten Hag has regularly called on his players to be more clinical in front of goal.

And though United claimed victory, they should have put the game to bed far earlier.

Marcus Rashford was wasteful, with the England international spurning some big opportunities during the early embers of the contest in Manchester.

And Marcel Sabtizer and Casemiro also came close to opening the scoring before Fernandes broke the deadlock.

It’s no wonder Ten Hag is so keen to land Harry Kane, with the Tottenham hitman guaranteed to bring goals in the event of any potential summer deal.

Glazers protests loud and clear

Throughout the course of the game at Old Trafford, United fans regularly made their feelings towards the Glazers known.

There were protests before the game, with supporters calling on their controversial owners to agree to a takeover.

And chants were loud and clear as the match went on.

Reports have suggested Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on the verge of reaching an agreement with the Glazers and buying the Red Devils.

But the Glazers are supposedly set to keep a stake worth 20 per cent in the club as part of the arrangement. 

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