Manchester United bounces back to victory to keep Champions League return in view

Manchester United bounced back to victory with a comfortable win over struggling Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Michael Carrick’s side came into the tie on the back of the defeat at Newcastle United 11 days ago at St James’s Park.

Aston Villa rode on confidence after the 1-0 win over Lille away from home in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie.

After an uneventful second half, Casemiro put Manchester United ahead in the 53rd minute with a header off Bruno Fernandes’s corner kick.

However, the lead lasted a few minutes as Ross Barkley grabbed the equaliser with a one-time shot after United failed to clear their lines.

Eleven minutes later, Matheus Cunha restored the lead for the hosts as he buried the ball into the far corner off another Bruno Fernandes’ assist.

Super-sub Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to put the tie away from Aston Villa’s reach as he registered his ninth goal of the season.

Michael Carrick’s men saw out the tie with a 3-1 victory, remaining third with 54 points – six points behind Manchester City in second place.