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Key talking points from Man Utd's late win at Aston Villa
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Rob Ellis
LiveScore
Scott McTominay was Manchester United's hero at Aston Villa
Scott McTominay was Manchester United's hero at Aston Villa

Scott McTominay grabbed a late winner for Manchester United at top-four rivals Aston Villa.

The Red Devils went ahead thanks to in-form striker Rasmus Hojlund's effort but were pegged back by Douglas Luiz's second-half strike.

As Erik ten Hag's men celebrate a 2-1 victory which helps close the gap to their hosts, we look at the key talking points from the game.

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McTominay has only started 12 league games for United this season and was forced to settle for another place on the bench at Villa Park.

But having been introduced in the 73rd minute to replace Marcus Rashford, he popped up four minutes from time to nod home Diogo Dalot's cross.

The Scot now has eight goals in all competitions this term, his best campaign for the Red Devils.

Great Dane

Hojlund made an underwhelming start to his Premier League career at Manchester United, not breaking his duck until Boxing Day when the Red Devils overcame Villa 3-2 at Old Trafford.

Since then, he has netted against Tottenham, Wolves and West Ham and extended his scoring streak to five matches with the opener against the Villans.

Pouncing on a loose ball from a corner, the 21-year-old Dane converted from close range to break the deadlock.

Rasmus Hojlund scored Manchester United's opener at Aston Villa
Rasmus Hojlund scored Manchester United's opener at Aston Villa

Injury blow

United came into this afternoon's clash without centre-back Lisandro Martinez, who will spend at least two months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

They will now be sweating over the fitness of left-back Luke Shaw, who was substituted at half-time, replaced by Victor Lindelof.

With fellow defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia also out of the matchday squad in the West Midlands, the Red Devils' back four is looking paper thin.

Home comforts

Luiz is not known for his goalscoring prowess but the Brazilian midfielder is enjoying his most prolific season in front of goal.

His seventh league strike of the campaign came after United failed to clear a corner in the 67th minute and the 25-year-old was able to turn home Leon Bailey's cross.

The Vasco da Gama youth product has scored all of his Premier League goals this season at Villa Park.

Top-four race

Aston Villa are suffering a dip in form
Aston Villa are suffering a dip in form

Tottenham's late victory at home to Brighton yesterday meant both Villa and United knew how important three points would be in their battle to finish the campaign inside the top four.

Unai Emery's men still hold the advantage, trailing Spurs by a point in fifth, but now have the Red Devils breathing down their necks only five points back.

Emery takes his side to Fulham next Saturday while Ten Hag's outfit travel to Luton a day later.

Villa have won only one of their last six outings in all competitions and have now suffered three home defeats on the spin.

Conversely, United have claimed four victories in a row and scored 13 goals in the process.

Tags

Aston VillaManchester UnitedPremier League
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