Manchester United moved ever closer to confirming their place in the Champions League with a slender win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes gave the Red Devils a deserved first-half lead as he finished coolly after Marcus Rashford 's saved shot bounced out to him. Erik ten Hag 's side were made to defend slightly more after the break but managed to keep their visitors at bay throughout the majority of the clash.
Victory sees them move nine points clear of Tottenham and their visitors. Here are all of the talking points from Old Trafford as a top four finishes gets tantalisingly close:
Anti-Glazer protests continue
Even ahead of kick-off, Man United were making headlines as a takeover appears to be edging closer. Friday's final deadline came and went with bids from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani being lodged.
It appears that the INEOS owner is the front-runner after outbidding his rival and potentially offering the Glazer family the chance to stay at Old Trafford. United fans made their feelings clear on that though as thousands of supporters took part in a pre-match march against their ownership.
The showdown with Villa also took place with with a soundtrack of anti-Glazer chants. Whilst that is not unusual, supporters will hope their message to Ratcliffe is received loud and clear.
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Fernandes keeps up Villa record
Despite not having enjoyed the best season so far with just five Premier League goals to his name, the Portuguese will have been very confident coming up against Villa. He had scored six goals in seven career games against the Midlands outfit.
He made that seven in eight as he tapped home following Emi Martinez's save from Rashford's low effort. It was also a landmark moment for the Portuguese with the strike representing the 100th his has scored in the league throughout his career.
Lindelof steps up
In the aftermath of injuries to both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, fans were left concerened over the defensive duo that Erik ten Hag would call upon. After all, neither of Harry Maguire nor Victor Lindelof had convinced, whilst Luke Shaw was playing in a somewhat unnatural position.
The Swede was vital in the Red Devils securing three points against Villa though. He managed to keep the in-form Ollie Watkins under lock and key very well, whilst he also produced a vital block to deny Jacob Ramsey after he had squirmed free.
The former Benfica star then somehow managed to head Douglas Luiz's curling effort that was destined for the top corner off the line. Should Lindelof be needed for the majority of the remainder of the campaign, Ten Hag will certainly hope to see more performances like this one.
Emery's Man Utd record over
As has been his impact at Villa Park this season, Unai Emery will be hugely disappointed to see his team on the losing side at Old Trafford. The defeat also brings to an end an impressive career record that the Spaniard had put together against the Red Devils.
The former Arsenal man had not lost in any of his last four Premier League matches against United - the longest such unbeaten run of any manager. He will no doubt be hoping that his side can get back on track sooner rather than later.
Champions League return close
Despite Newcastle's win against Southampton keeping the Red Devils fourth in the Premier League table, United now appear all-but assured of being in the Champions League next season.
They are nine points clear of Tottenham - the North Londoners having just five matches of the campaign remaining, the first coming against Liverpool. Before their next outing, the Red Devils might already be setting their place at Europe's top table.
Defeat also deals a massive blow to Villa's hopes of getting into the Champions League at United's expense but they are still firmly in the mix for Europe nonetheless.
