VAR controversy as United narrow gap

PREMIER LEAGUE: Red Devils one point off fourth spot – but Villa in deep trouble

Manchester United maintained their Champions League charge after VAR controversy sparked a 3-0 win at Aston Villa last night.

Bruno Fernandes’ contentious penalty – after he appeared to tread on Ezri Konsa – gave the visitors the platform for victory at Villa Park.

Referee Jon Moss gave the spot-kick and his decision was backed up by VAR official Graham Scott, much to Villa’s disbelief and fury.

Mason Greenwood’s missile and Paul Pogba’s first goal for 453 days then saw United extend their unbeaten run to 17 games in another statement of intent.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men narrowed the gap on the Premier League’s top four and Leicester to a point. Fifth-placed United go to the King Power Stadium on the final day of the season.

Villa raged about the penalty but defeat was another hammer blow to their dwindling hopes of avoiding the drop.

Trezeguet hit a post just before Fernandes’ opener but Dean Smith’s side remain four points from safety with just four games left – starting at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Danny Ings furthered his claim for the Golden Boot with a 19th goal of the Premier League season but Southampton had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.

Paul Pogba says he is enjoying playing in Manchester United’s reinvigorated side following his return from injury.

The World Cup winner has formed a promising midfield partnership with new signing Bruno Fernandes since the Premier League resumed following lockdown.

The 27-year-old Frenchman told United Review: “You can tell that the team is improving a lot. We play more as a team than we did before, we enjoy it even more, we defend together, we attack together, and this team is stronger as well.

“From behind I just enjoy it. I’m enjoying just watching Bruno, Rashford, Martial and Mason score goals. You just keep applauding.”

The 27-year-old was comfortably the best player on the pitch, all perpetual motion and predatory instinct, and it was precisely that which moved him within three of Leicester’s Jamie Vardy.

Ings highlighted his ability to seize a chance when it came his way with a real poacher’s goal, playing on the shoulder of the last defender and benefiting when a mis-hit shot from former Dundee United midfielder Stuart Armstrong fell at his feet.

The former Liverpool and Burnley striker was denied a major tournament debut with England at Euro 2020 this summer due to the coronavirus crisis but his current form makes it impossible for Gareth Southgate to ignore him in future selections.

That his goal was not enough to take all three points was partly down to luck – he had a header hit the crossbar and James Ward-Prowse missed a penalty with the score still at 0-0 – and a well-taken Richarlison goal out of nowhere which sparked an improved second-half display from Everton.

Tottenham will again have complaints with VAR after they were denied a clear penalty in a goalless draw at Bournemouth which does nothing for either side’s ambitions this season.

After seeing a Lucas Moura goal ruled out by VAR official Michael Oliver in last week’s loss at Sheffield United, Oliver was again the man who ruled that Harry Kane had not been pushed early in the game.

Spurs put in a below-par performance that hurts their Europa League ambitions, failing to have a shot on target in the entire match, and the fate of their season and whether they can qualify for Europe now clearly hinges on Sunday’s north London derby.

Pictures: PA.