Manchester United Women win promotion to Super League after thrashing Aston Villa

Casey Stoney's side are seven points clear at the top of the Championship with three games to go with Charlton and Durham unable to catch them

Charlie Devlin celebrates after scoring to make it 5-0 (PA)

Manchester United Women have secured promotion to the Women's Super League after thrashing Aston Villa 5-0.

Casey Stoney's side are now seven points clear at the top of the Women's Championship with three games to go and cannot be caught by Charlton or Durham.

United stormed into the lead with Millie Turner, Alex Greenwood and Jess Sigsworth registering before half-time.

Ella Toone made it 4-0 and Charlie Devlin rounded off the scoring with a close-range finish. Aston Villa goalkeeper, Sian Rogers, was also sent off.

Press Association Sport understands United's promotion remains subject to meeting FAWSL Licence criteria.

It is not expected United will encounter any problems, with confirmation due next month.

United will join the likes of Arsenal, who currently lead the title race ahead of Manchester City.

Stoney has revealed how she has brought the team together, using boxing to build team spirit.

United will play in the Super League next season (PA)

"When they came together last summer, they were effectively 21 strangers coming in to a room," Stoney told BBC Sport.

"It's quite incredible where we're at, in terms of the team togetherness. That's not by chance.

"We've been boxing at six o'clock in the morning, character-building. I believe in taking the players out of their comfort zones, because it stretches them."

PA Sport contributed to this report