Scott's late show keeps United in touch with top four and Euro place

'ATTACK, attack, attack, the United supporters implored. Scott McTominay went one better.

-  SAMUEL LUCKHURST

THE VERDICT: ASTON VILLA 1 UNITED 2

Three times now this season McTominay has emerged to score. Nothing will ever top the drama and the ecstasy of his rescue act against Brentford - but this is the more vital matchwinner.

McTominay attempted to hurdle the barriers and the stewards to embrace the Unietd supporters in the Doug Ellis Stand. They have enjoyed some unforgettable days at Villa Park and this was another.

United are on the charge now. A first away win at a top-eight team since October 2021 and a four-game winning streak for the first time this season.

Villa will rue not extending their advantage to 11 points and returning to the top four. Now it has been trimmed to five points and they are fifth. This was Villa's third successive defeat at home. They are wobbling.

Rasmus Hojlund had the privilege of departing the pitch and making his way past the United supporters, crowning the day he bookended his goalscoring streak against Villa of five goals in as many league games. Hojlund clenched his fist. He reunited with them again at full-time.

'We're not famous any more, the United supporters sarcastically sang enmasse. United are becoming more and more relevant now the season is approaching the business end. United mean business.

United daren't have lost this and they didn't. Of all their recent wins, this was the weakest performance but seasons are defined by wins without performing.

Villa would have rued a point, never mind a defeat. This Villa side has long since shed its inferiority complex that used to consign them to regular defeats to United on their own patch.

And yet that sinking feeling of a late United goal denying them the glory will have been a familiar one. United have a habit of leaving it late at Villa Park and the onus is now on them to ensure this is a truly meaningful victory come May.