Manchester United vs Aston Villa player ratings: Wayne Rooney scored a brilliant goal but Ander Herrera was the main man for Louis van Gaal

Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1

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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.

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