United Manager and Captain Downplay Table Climb

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 stressed the importance of staying focused and not celebrating prematurely. They reminded the squad that many games remain and that Champions League qualification is the priority ahead of the Villa visit on March 15.