Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa result - Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko on target in top-four Premier League clash at Old Trafford

An impressive second-half performance ensured Manchester United overcame Aston Villa with a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford.

After a lacklustre opening 45 minutes, goals from Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko ensured Michael Carrick claimed a sixth win from as many Premier League home games across his two spells in charge.

Casemiro broke the deadlock seven minutes after the re-start thanks to a superb glancing header from Bruno Fernandes' corner.

Villa responded well though, and scored a deserved equaliser when Ross Barkley applied a fine first-time finish from an unmarked position inside the box.

There was a nervy wait to determine if the ball had struck Amadou Onana in an offside position, but the goal was given.

United re-established their lead when Cunha latched onto a Fernandes through ball and applied a clinical finish past Emiliano Martinez.

With that assist, Fernandes now has 16 - the most in a Premier League season for Manchester United - surpassing David Beckham's record.

There was still time for Benjamin Sekso to add a third goal from the bench with his deflected strike, moving Carrick's side three points clear of Villa and six ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea.

There was no change in the other two 2pm Premier League kick-offs, with the spoils shared at Selhurst Park and the City Ground.

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Six home wins out of six for Michael Carrick at Old Trafford!

Rogers is brought down on the right-hand edge of the box by Maguire, and receives a booking.

This resulting free-kick by Luiz is played across to Rogers, who fires wide.

United's first goalscorer is applauded off the pitch, as he's replaced by Ugarte.

The Argentine appears to be carrying a knock, and is replaced by Garcia.

United should've had a fourth!

Fernandes plays in Sesko, who skews his shot well wide in what looked like an attempted pass to Diallo.

The Brazilian midfielder replaces Villa goalscorer Barkley late on.

Digne is replaced by Maatsen in the first part of a double change.

United's latest super-sub may have just rubber-stamped three points for Carrick's side.

Villa fail to deal with Cunha's cut-back, allowing Sesko to turn and fire a deflected shot past Martinez!

With two assists today, Bruno Fernandes has 16 Premier League assists this season for Manchester United.

That moves him one ahead of David Beckham's record!

The Slovenian striker replaces Mbeumo for the final 15 minutes or so.

The Frenchman is cautioned after tangling with Abraham.

That was a goal of beautiful simplicity!

Fernandes plays a delightful first-time ball into the path of Cunha, who opens up his body brilliantly and fires past Martinez.

The Villa midfielder is the latest player in the book.

Abraham is spotted unmarked inside the box by Bailey, but a poor first touch allows United to clear the danger.

Villa well on top now!

No clear evidence that the ball had hit Onana in an offside position, and Barkley has equalised at Old Trafford!

Barkley brings Villa back onto level terms!

United fail to deal with the resulting corner, as Digne plays the ball into the path of Barkley to fire a fine, first-time finish past Lammens.

The celebrations are on hold though, as VAR checks it...

Villa break forward quickly, as Onana's shot from close range is parried over by Lammens.