Manchester United vs. Aston Villa: Score, Grades, Reaction from Premier League

Wayne Rooney produced a superb strike to help extend Manchester United's winning sequence to five Premier League matches with a 3-1 triumph over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Ander Herrera gave the Red Devils the lead two minutes before the interval after a dominant display from the home team.

Nerves were frayed among the home supporters when Rooney collected an Angel Di Maria ball and struck it into the top corner on the spin inside the penalty area in the 79th minute. 

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It was a score reminiscent of his wonder goal in the Manchester derby in February 2011. As the United supporters celebrated, however, David De Gea allowed a Christian Benteke header to squirm into his net to leave Old Trafford sweating on the points once more.

However, Herrera slotted home the game-clinching goal in injury time to ensure United moved above neighbours Manchester City into third place in the Premier League table.

For Villa, though, the spectre of relegation is again on the horizon after the defeat left them just three points above the drop zone.

Tim Sherwood's team are now facing a crucial home game against Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday, where the visitors will be boosted by an excellent 4-1 win at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

United made just one change to their team, with Marcos Rojo replacing Chris Smalling, who was ruled out by illness.

In the fifth minute, Rooney was denied what appeared to be a penalty after a challenge from Ciaran Clark. The referee waved play on, however: 

United were in charge from the start, and a great run and cross by Antonio Valencia eventually saw Rooney aim at goal, but Clark blocked after Juan Mata had seen two efforts thwarted.

The home side continued their chase for an opening goal, and Brad Guzan needed to be alert to pick out an Ashley Young cross as Marouane Fellaini threatened.

The United States international then produced a superb fingertip save to push over a fierce Rojo drive in the 23rd minute.

Rooney attempted the spectacular in the 27th minute from a Valencia cross after good play by Ander Herrera, but the striker's overhead kick dropped just wide of goal.

For all Man United's pressing, Guzan was still not seriously tested in the opening half-hour, while De Gea was merely a spectator at the other end of the pitch.

There was concern for Villa in the 36th minute when Alan Hutton required treatment on the sidelines after appearing to twist his ankle, but he returned to the field to run the problem off.

Daley Blind gave Guzan something to do in the 40th minute with a 20-yard effort, but the USMNT goalkeeper comfortably saved.

In the 43rd minute, though, United finally broke the deadlock. Young and Blind combined on the right before the Netherlands international cut the ball back for Herrera, who controlled well before prodding home across goal.

The Times' James Ducker and The Telegraph's Jim White were both effusive in their praise for Herrera:

After struggling with injury and against Young in the first period, Hutton was withdrawn at the half for Leandro Bacuna.

Benteke missed a great chance to equalise early in the second period when he was off-balance and ballooned an effort over the crossbar from an Andreas Weimann cutback.

United almost grabbed a second in the 62nd minute when Fellaini sent a powerful header toward goal from a Valencia cross, but Guzan covered the ball well to tip over.

Surprisingly, Louis van Gaal brought off Young for Angel Di Maria in the 71st minute, while Radamel Falcao was given a rousing reception as he warmed up on the touchline.

The Old Trafford fans breathed a huge sigh of relief in the 76th minute when Jores Okore flashed a header wide of De Gea's goal. It was a reminder that this game was not done for United yet. 

Three minutes later, Rooney rode to the rescue. Di Maria clipped a ball into the area but behind the United captain. However, the striker brought the ball down with superb control before firing a half-volley into the top corner.

But while the crowd were still celebrating, Villa brought themselves back into the game at 2-1 when De Gea allowed a Benteke header to squirm in at his near post from a Joe Cole corner.

Nerves were frayed again around Old Trafford, but Herrera settled the win in injury time when he fired home from a Mata through ball. 

Selected Player Ratings

Juan Mata: A

The Manchester United forward picked up where he left off in the win at Liverpool two weeks ago with another tireless display.

Ashley Young: A+

The Old Trafford winger was an impressive performer against his former club. Villa struggled against the strong running of the England international throughout the game before his surprising withdrawal.

Christian Benteke: B

Aston Villa supporters must be wondering what has happened to their one-time talismanic forward. Once more it was a disappointing afternoon for the striker, who looked poor in front of goal before De Gea allowed his header to squeeze home.

Ander Herrera: A

The Spaniard scored where Rooney hadn't in the first half, but his assured display in midfield for United was another reason for fans to wonder what might have been if he had played more regularly this season. He deserved his second for his display.

Post-Match Reaction