Manchester United edged above Aston Villa on goal difference after a hard‑fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. The win left United and Villa level on 51 points in third and fourth place, separated only by goal difference.
Manager Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes cautioned against premature celebration, stressing the need to keep progressing and focus on Champions League qualification ahead of the Villa visit on March 15.