Manchester United took charge of their fate in the race for Champions League football with a commanding 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The three points were even more important given United’s loss last week, which handed teams like Villa, Chelsea, and Liverpool the chance to close the gap.
Sunday’s victory now means the Red Devils have opened up a three-point lead over Unai Emery’s men in third place, and are five points ahead of the Merseyside club and six ahead of the Blues with eight games left to play this season.
Casemiro handed the home side the lead early in the second half, but Villa equalised soon after under dubious circumstances.
United’s top-notch mentality
There was a danger of United players’ head dropping due to the contentious nature of the goal, but under Michael Carrick, the team seems to rediscover their energy when the chips are down.
Bruno Fernandes took the game by the scruff of the neck and produced a memorable assist for Matheus Cunha to score before super sub Benjamin Sesko settled the game.
Leny Yoro, who produced a masterclass at the back, was asked by MUTV after the game about the team’s mentality, and the Frenchman was full of praise for his teammates for the way they stood up to be counted.
The defender also praised the fans for the energy they provided, especially after the Villans equalised.
Fans kept the team going
“I’m delighted with the way the team kept their heads up even after conceding. The character throughout the squad is really good at this moment.
“The fans helped us to stand up after the equaliser, and we went on to use that energy to score the last two goals.”
“It was a really important game for us. We are relieved with the three points. They (Villa) were right behind us in the table so it was very important we won today.”
The visitors could have found yet another equaliser, but for the former Lille star’s exceptional last-ditch tackle. He explained that it was akin to a goal for him, given the context of the game.
Goal-saving tackle
“For me, the tackle was like a goal. Really happy with the team today. We really wanted the clean sheet, but in the end, we won the same, so all good.”
The 20-year-old was asked about Fernandes, and apart from applauding his on-pitch heroics, the France U21 international was effusive in his praise for the club captain’s impact off the pitch as well.
“Playing with Bruno is incredible. He is a top-class player and helps us win in almost every game. He deserves the plaudits. People don’t see his contribution off the pitch, but he is a top guy and a true captain.”
With Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt still sidelined, Leny Yoro is expected to continue playing at the heart of the backline in the weeks to come.
He needs to be at the top of his game when United travel to the Vitality Stadium to take on Bournemouth on Friday night.
Feature image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
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