40’
Bruno Fernandes’s penalty earned Manchester United a 2-1 win over Aston Villa to put them level on points with leaders Liverpool.
Man Utd took a 40th-minute lead at Old Trafford when Anthony Martial headed in Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s right-wing centre.
Villa levelled just before the hour-mark as Jack Grealish crossed for Bertrand Traore to score for the third time in four matches.
But the hosts took just three minutes to regain their lead, with Fernandes converting from the spot after Paul Pogba was brought down by Douglas Luiz.
Emiliano Martinez then made stunning saves to deny Martial and Fernandes before Tyrone Mings passed up a late chance to claim a point when he headed Matty Cash’s free-kick wide.
An English league record 36th victory on New Year’s Day puts Man Utd second on goal difference.
Villa drop to sixth place after a first defeat in six matches.
See: Man Utd report | Aston Villa report
Next fixtures
Man Utd: 12 Jan v Burnley (A)
Aston Villa: 13 Jan v Spurs (H)
Match officials
Referee: Michael Oliver. Assistants: Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett. Fourth official: Darren England. VAR: Paul Tierney. Assistant VAR: Lee Betts.
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