Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa: Wayne Rooney wonder goal and Ander Herrera double move Red Devils up to third in the table

Louis van Gaal has found the best way to keep Manchester United fans happy is to win at home.

Powering past Aston Villa was their 13th victory in 16 Premier League matches at Old Trafford and they have accumulated more points earlier on their own territory, 40, than anyone else.

No wonder after a period of irritation earlier in the season, the Stretford End are cheering regardless of whether United play quickly, slowly, pass back to goalkeeper David de Gea or boot it up to Marouane Fellaini

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Rooney put United 2-0 ahead on 79 minutes as he crashed home the Red Devils' second with his right-footed strike

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United's No 10 celebrates his stunning effort at Old Trafford - his sixth goal in eight games for the club since being moved back up front

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Rooney (centre right) is mobbed by his team-mates after his wonderful goal gives them a 2-0 lead against lowly Villa

MATCH FACTS, PLAYER RATINGS PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE AND MATCH ZONE BY DOMINIC KING

Manchester United (4-3-3): De Gea 6; Valencia 7.5, Jones 7, Rojo 7, Blind 6.5; Carrick 7, Herrera 8.5, Fellaini 6.5 (Falcao, 77 mins); Mata 6.5, Young 7 (Di Maria, 70), Rooney 7.

Subs not used: Valdes, Rafael, McNair, A Pereira, Januzaj.

Goals: Herrera 43 and 90+2, Rooney 79

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Guzan 7; Hutton 5.5 (Bacuna, 45), Okore 5.5, Clark 6, Lowton 5.5; Delph 6.5, Sanchez 6, N'Zogbia 5.5 (Baker, 61), Weimann 6 (Cole, 77); Agbonlahor 5, Benteke 6.5.

Subs not used: Given, Vlaar, Gil, Grealish.

Goal: Benteke 80

Booked: Delph

Referee: Roger East

Attendance: 75,397