(Football news) Bruno Fernandes’ goal secured a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday for Manchester United. The Red Devils bolstered their chances of finishing in the top four in the Premier League and continued their dominant form at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side are currently fourth in the standings with 63 points from 32 matches and have a game in hand on fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and third place Newcastle United who are on 65 points.

United after that result are subsequently unbeaten at home in 15 straight Premier League games. They have not lost a game at Old Trafford since the opening weekend disappointment to Brighton & Hove Albion. Emi Martinez made several great chances before they were finally rewarded for their constant pressure as Martinez’s save off Marcus Rashford’s shot fell to Fernandes who sprinted and scored from a tight angle.

Villa suffered their first defeat in 11 games, and are currently 6th in the standings, with 54 points from 33 matches. This was also their first time in 21 games since Emery took charge where they failed to score. The victory comes three days after Ten Hag publicly criticized his players for not giving 100% in a 2-2 draw at Spurs. Before the match hundreds of fans were hoisting a big banner that read “Full sale only” as they marched to Old Trafford before the game to protest the Glazer family’s ownership of the team.

“A good three points, but I think an impressive performance from Manchester United. We were magnificent on the ball, had good possession and pressed well,” Ten Hag told the BBC. “In the second half you want to go 2-0 ahead, but we didn’t so it’s always going to be a tough finish.

“[Lindelof] played brilliant. He was totally in control in the area around [Villa striker Ollie] Watkins.”

Also read: Barcelona aim to go 14 points clear on top as they host Osasuna