Man Utd player ratings vs Aston Villa: Jadon Sancho struggles again as Bruno Fernandes fires Red Devils to narrow win

David de Gea (6/10):

Saved well from Watkins early on and had full control of his penalty area. Rarely tested, but rescued by Lindelof in the second half.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

Seemed ill at ease throughout the game, but did what he could to preserve the clean sheet.

Victor Lindelof (7/10):

Made a couple of vital interventions in the second half to prevent Villa from opening United up and made a brilliant goal-line clearance in the second half. Put his body on the line for the cause.

Luke Shaw (7/10):

Played on the left of the centre-back duo and barely put a foot wrong. A very impressive performance.

Tyrell Malacia (8/10):

Made a superb last-ditch challenge to deny McGinn. Full of energy and kept bursting forward, adding a new dimension to United's attacks. Always willing to take on his man, and strong in defence too. Man of the match.

Casemiro (7/10):

Cracked the crossbar with a great effort from just inside the box. Sent Rashford away with a clever header in the build-up to Fernandes' goal, and later flashed one wide. Economical in possession, too.

Christian Eriksen (5/10):

Couldn't get his final ball right but was constantly involved, such is his passing range. Replaced by Fred with 15 minutes to go.

Marcel Sabitzer (6/10):

Drove an effort over in the first half. Kept the midfield ticking nicely and has plenty of running in him. A shrewd midfield performance. Subbed for Maguire late on.

Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

Scored excellently, getting on the end of Rashford's parried effort and lifting it over onrushing defenders. An otherwise subdued afternoon on the right of the front three; he didn't look truly comfortable.

Marcus Rashford (6/10):

His shot was parried, leading to Fernandes' goal. Always a willing runner and sent through on multiple occasions, although his footing often deserted him, and he was left on the turf. Subbed for Martial late on.

Jadon Sancho (4/10):

Big penalty shout denied in the first-half. Pushed into the box often but looked unsure of his final ball, consistently checking back, robbing United of any attacking momentum. A frustrating afternoon, and replaced by Antony with 15 minutes left.

Fred (6/10):

On for Eriksen to shore things up. Did what he needed to do to aid his backline.

Antony (6/10):

Came on for the ineffective Sancho.

Anthony Martial (N/A):

On for Rashford late on but barely saw the ball.

Harry Maguire: (N/A):

On for Sabitzer to help see the victory out.

Erik Ten Hag (7/10):

Got the big call right, with Shaw impressing at centre-back. Went to a back five late on to see the victory out. Will have been frustrated with his front three, as they consistently wasted good positions, but three points and a clean sheet.