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Manchester United climbed above their 'noisy neighbours' into third position thanks to a 3-1 win over Aston Villa which included a stunning strike from Wayne Rooney.
Ander Herrera's first-half goal put United in front before Rooney doubled the hosts' lead with a contender for goal of the month, if not the season.
Christian Benteke pulled one back for Aston Villa but Herrera scored again late on to give United three vital points ahead of next week's Manchester derby.
United endured some nervy moments in the final 20 minutes, but they rarely looked like failing to register their fifth straight Barclays Premier League win.
Ashley Young starred against his old club and Herrera rounded off a brilliant display with his sixth and seventh goals of the season.
Show all 23 1 /23Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings MANCHESTER UNITED: David De Gea Rarely threatened but up to the test when called upon. If the rumours that Real Madrid are interested prove to be true, he will be a big miss. 7
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Antonio Valencia Galloped down the flank with menace but, rather predictably, lacked the defensive abilities to give Louis van Gaal a long-term option at the back. 6
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Phil Jones Back in a more defensive role after his excursion into midfield with England, Jones cut a composed and reliable figure at the back. 7
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Marcos Rojo Looked like a player who would have preferred to be higher up the pitch, often marauding forwards, but did his job well at set pieces. 7
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Daley Blind Yet another player playing in an unnatural position, at left-back, but the Dutchman was in impressive form. 7
Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Ander Herrera This could well turn out to be a breakthrough season for Ander Herrera. Fully deserved his brace and could have got more if not for Brad Guzan. 8
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Michael Carrick An assured figure in the centre of the Manchester United line-up, the former Tottenham man was vital for the hosts. 7
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Juan Mata While the Spaniard wasn’t able to replicate his sparking display at Anfield a fortnight ago, Mata again reminder Old Trafford regulars of his abilities. 7
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Ashley Young Responded to his critics in the away end in the best possible manner. While he was unlucky not to score himself, the former England man played a role in all of the goals. 7
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Marouane Fellaini Not as effective as usual, perhaps because United were playing the ball along the deck more than in recent weeks, but the Belgian kept running. 6
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Wayne Rooney Hit a stunning strike to dumbfound Brad Guzan in the Aston Villa net after another commanding display from the United skipper. 8
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings From the bench: Angel Di Maria Came off the bench to a rapturous reception and provided the cross for Rooney’s stunner. The comeback starts here. 7
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings ASTON VILLA: Brad Guzan Made a trio of decent saves and excellently tipped over a speculative effort from Marcos Rojo in the first half. Unlucky to have conceded three. 6
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Alan Hutton Was anonymous for large periods and ineffectual going forward. 4
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Jores Okore Usually such a reliable figure at the back for the visitors, Okore struggled to contain Rooney and Fellaini and paid the price. 6
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Ciaran Clark Slowly returning to form after his sending off against Leicester City in January. Won’t be happy with how easily Rooney beat him on a regular basis. 6
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Matthew Lowton Endeavoured to make a mark on the match but failed – like many of his teammates. 6
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Carlos Sanchez Showed glimpses of the flair which has excited Villa fans since his arrival, but did little to make a difference. 6
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Fabian Delph Will be disappointed with how little his through balls penetrated the United defence. 6
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Charles N'zogbia Absent, in every definition of the term. 4
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Andreas Weimann Kept on running like a terrier right into the latter stages but just couldn’t get past his man, Antonio Valencia. 6
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Gabby Agbonlahor Had the pace and skills to cause United problems but rarely used them. 5
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Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1 - player ratings Christian Benteke The Belgian may be back among the goals but he did very little until his late strike. Needs to contribute much more. 6
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