Manchester United vs. Aston Villa: 6 Things We Learned at Old Trafford

No alarms and no surprises here.

Manchester United shook off their shocking midweek loss with an efficient 4-0 English Premier League victory over Aston Villa on Sunday at Old Trafford.

The win sent United five points clear at the top of the table with four matches left and kept Villa just six points above the relegation zone.

United play Everton next week at home before their showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad on April 30. Until then, the title race is still an open question.

But it's closing fast.

Earning a Reputation

Building a reputation takes time and effort. And once it's built, a rep generally stands strong for some time.

Ashley Young is building a reputation, but it's not a good reputation. It's a reputation as a diver.

Behold Sunday's evidence.

And last Sunday's evidence.

And finally, a damning stat:

"

Ashley Young has now won eight penalties since the start of 2009-10. Twice as many as any other player.

"

It's time for Sir Alex Ferguson to do something about it.

Right Place, Right Time

Danny Welbeck should go ahead and change his name. "Right Place At the Right Time Welbeck" is more suitable.

Welbeck scored for United near the end of the first half Sunday and the goal was classic Welbeck—who was, as usual, in the right place at the right moment to steer home Patrice Evra's low cross after a few Aston Villa defenders decided not to bother clearing it.

That's not meant to disparage Welbeck's contribution to United. Being in the right place at the right moment requires a strong understanding of the game and even better positioning and awareness.

That combination has helped Welbeck to a return of eight league goals this season. Admittedly, that's not an overwhelming total, but it's important to remember that Welbeck has shared time with Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov as Wayne Rooney's partner all season.

As Sunday showed, the young Englishman is a valuable part of United's plans.

Viva Valencia!

Antonio Valencia doesn't have off days. He's an equal opportunity terror out on the right wing.

Sunday was no different. The Ecuadorian terrorized American defender Eric Lichaj and the rest of Aston Villa's back line all afternoon with his blazing runs, ball control and pinpoint crosses.

Valencia had to wait until the second half for an assist (on Rooney's second), but he was as dangerous as always up to and after that point.

As usual, Valencia was among United's best and most dangerous attackers. At this point, he's one of United's most valuable players.

Keep on Keeping on

It was a vintage performance for Paul Scholes in the United midfield on Sunday.

The wily 37-year-old veteran ran the show, earned a booking for a nasty, studs-up foul and blasted a few wicked volleys from outside the box.

In other words, he performed much like it was 1999.

That's great news for United, especially if Scholes decides to come back for yet another season. Since coming out of retirement in January, Scholes has been a revelation.

So much so, in fact, that he's been tipped for a return to the England national team for the Euro 2012 run this summer.

Here's saying he should do it.

Title Race Back On?

Sunday's win means United carry a five-point lead into the final four matches of the season.

That's not as comforting a cushion as the eight-point margin United enjoyed last weekend, but it should still suffice.

Manchester City won Saturday to close the gap to two points for 24 hours, but United were always going to get a result against Aston Villa at home.

The Red Devils host Everton next Sunday before heading across town to face Manchester City on April 30. If both teams keep winning, United could clinch the title at their neighbors' ground.

Or City could change everything.

With four matches left, United's chances look good, but they're not quite champions.

Yet.

Out of Danger?

Aston Villa's young squad has talent, but the youngsters haven't been able to grind out many good results lately.

After Sunday's loss, Villa have now taken just eight points from their last 11 games. With four games left, they're only six points above the drop zone.

Relegation, while still unlikely, is by no means out of the question.