Manchester United produced an uninspiring performance but managed to clinch their place in the FA Cup fourth-round following a 1-0 win against Aston Villa.
Here were United’s three best players from the clash at Old Trafford…
Raphael Varane
There were times in the clash against Steven Gerrard’s side that Varane’s swagger looked to be returning.
He has the elegance to make things look incredibly easy and his performance was one of the very few positives for Ralf Rangnick to take away from the tie.
Playing alongside Victor Lindelof, Varane was mopping up at the back and there were moments where he drove forward in possession.
As he builds his match fitness, Varane’s performances should continue to take an upward trajectory.
With Gerrard seeking revenge on Saturday, Rangnick will need his imperious Frenchman to be at this best to stop the Villains once again.
Diogo Dalot
Back in the starting line-up after two matches on the bench, the Portuguese full-back looked eager to impress Rangnick in his battle with Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the right-back spot.
Playing behind Mason Greenwood, United’s youngsters could develop a good understanding if the club’s interim boss gives them a run of games.
Dalot’s forward-thinking mentality enables United to get onto the front foot and break the opposition lines.
After getting treatment on a bloodied ankle, that didn’t deter United’s number 20 from throwing himself into some big tackles.
The 22-year-old will be hoping he’s done enough to retain his place for the Premier League clash at Villa Park on Saturday.
Scott McTominay
McTominay’s goal against Villa meant he has scored as many goals in his last three games then he had in his previous 39 (2).
His late run into the Villa box went undetected in the eight minute and it was towering header past Emiliano Martinez.
He was picked out by his trusted midfield lieutenant Fred who had not played in the last two Premier League games after Rangnick instead opted to go with Nemanja Matic.
It certainly seems since the draw against Newcastle, United’s number 39 has been given a licence to make late runs into the box and become an extra body in United’s attack.
The Scot will be a big miss in Saturday’s clash as he and Luke Shaw are both suspended after picking up bookings last time out against Burnley.
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