Manchester United vs Aston Villa 3-1: Premier League – as it happened

The live coverage of Manchester United vs Aston Villa in Sunday’s Premier League clash has ended.

Thank you for joining us, and we hope you had fun.

Until next time, this is Manasi Pathak signing off on behalf of everyone at Al Jazeera Sport.

Our focus now shifts from England to Australia.

Al Jazeera will bring you live updates from the Women’s Asian Cup semifinals, starting with the first game between record nine-time champions China and hosts Australia on Tuesday. The fixture in Perth kicks off at 10:00 GMT.

Both China and Australia have booked their spots in next year’s Women’s World Cup.

After today’s match, United’s captain has 16 assists this Premier League campaign. The Portugal international is four adrift of the all-time league record for assists in one season, set by Thierry Henry (2002-2003) and Kevin de Bruyne (2019-2020).

“It was very important because it was against a direct opponent. We had the same points, and to gain this advantage from them is always good,” Fernandes told Sky Sports.

“We knew we needed to win the game after the last game,” he said, referring to United’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. “Today, we did the job. … I still think we can do much better, but the job is done.”

Asked about how he feels after setting a new league assists record at the club, he said: “I’m more proud and pleased because I did it serving my teammates. Giving joy to others is also very good.

“When you play in the position I play, I’m very happy I can help them to score and be happy in that moment. It’s a huge achievement for me, but the main achievement would be in the top spot at the end of the season.”

After this defeat, Villa fear slipping down the league standings. Emery’s side has 51 points from 30 games and sits fourth.

But if sixth-placed Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur later today, the Merseyside club will leapfrog Villa, pushing them to the fifth spot instead.

Manchester United face Bournemouth away in their next game on Friday, while Aston Villa face Lille in the second leg of their Europa League fixture on Thursday, having won the first leg 1-0.

Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-1 to bring up their seventh league win in nine games under interim manager Michael Carrick.

Second-half goals by Casemiro, Cunha and Sesko guided the home side to victory, while captain Fernandes also played a vital role with two assists.

The Reds remain third in the standings, taking their points tally to 54 from 30 games and opening a three-point lead over fourth-placed Villa and a six-point lead over fifth-placed Chelsea.

After a series of quick, short passes, Diallo gets the ball at the edge of the box and tries to shoot, but Konsa blocks firmly.

On the other end, Maguire is shown a yellow card for his clumsy foul on Rogers outside the box.

90+6 mins: Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

A lengthy period of stoppage time at Old Trafford. Can United add another to their goal-scoring party?

Fernandes is certainly eager to complete a hat-trick of assists.

90+2 mins: Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

Ugarte replaces Casemiro, the scorer of United’s opening goal.

90 mins: Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

United’s striker Sesko has scored four goals after coming off the bench in this Premier League season.

87 mins: Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

Garcia replaces Buendia, who seemed to have picked up an injury.

87 mins: Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

Sesko gets on the end of another terrific through ball by Fernandes but fails to finish this time as it goes wide of the bottom corner.

Diallo was also timing his run, hoping to slot it at the back post.

86 mins: Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

The Villa boss responds to his team conceding another goal by bringing on Luiz for Barkley, the scorer of their only goal, and Maatsen for Digne.

83 mins: Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

Off the bench and flying already!

Sesko pounces on a loose ball in the box and shoots on his turn, as the ball deflects off Mings and goes into the back of the net.

United manager Carrick punches his fist in the air as Sesko finishes a slick team move.

The Reds are roaring at Old Trafford.

81 mins: Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa

United’s captain Bruno Fernandes has brought up his 16th assist of the season. No Man United player has more in a single Premier League campaign.

He beats the previous record of 15 set by David Beckham in 1999-00.

No Man Utd player has ever recorded more assists in a single Premier League season than Bruno Fernandes has this term (16). pic.twitter.com/Lwjp9N40NP

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) March 15, 2026

79 mins: Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa

Sesko is coming on for Mbeumo, who goes away to a round of applause.

Can United stretch their lead?

75 mins: Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa

After a drub first half, both teams have turned the contest on its head in the second period.

We’ve just seen three goals in a span of 18 minutes!

74 mins: Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa

Manchester United are back in the lead!

Cunha, the home side’s reliable Brazilian, latches on to a clever through ball by Fernandes and makes a stunning run before burying it into the far corner, well beyond the reach of the outstretched goalkeeper.

Fernandes bags his second assist of the game!

71 mins: Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa

Another Villa player goes in the referee’s book for dissent.

70 mins: Manchester United 1-1 Aston Villa