MANCHESTER, England (AP) — There were protests at the start but celebrations at the end as Manchester United edged toward a return to the Champions League on Sunday.
A 1-0 win against Aston Villa strengthened United’s hold on a top-four place in the Premier League, which was the primary target for manager Erik ten Hag in his first season in charge.
Bruno Fernandes struck in the 39th minute after Marcus Rashford’s shot was pushed away by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Both teams had more chances to score, with United surviving a late push by the visitors, but Fernandes’ goal proved the difference.
With third-place Newcastle also winning, United remains two points behind in fourth, with a game in hand.
“I’m really happy with the points but also with the performance,” Ten Hag said. “Really good performance against a Villa side who did not lose in 10 games, scored in every game and we were in complete control. It could have been 3-1 or 4-1 so a really good and impressive performance.”
Victory came after supporters staged another protest against United’s American owners, the Glazer family, which came two days after a third round of bidding for the club.
On Friday, Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe submitted latest offers, but fans are concerned the Glazers will retain a majority or minority stake in the 20-time English champion.
Supporters held up a huge banner outside Old Trafford that read “Full Sale Only,” while there were chants of “We want Glazers out” inside the stadium.
On the field, Ten Hag’s encouraging first year at the club continued with a potentially vital win against a Villa team that had sparked hopes of a top-four push itself after a run of 10 games unbeaten before Sunday.
Unai Emery’s team threatened to extend that run by mounting a late push, which saw Victor Lindelof clear off the line from Douglas Luis in the last 10 minutes.
Loud cheers rang around Old Trafford as the final whistle blew.
Fernandes’ goal was his 11th of the season and came after United saw earlier chances go by, with Rashford denied by Martinez and Casemiro hitting the bar.
“We have seen character today, we were determined, passionate and we had to win and played good football,” Ten Hag said.
