Lindelof shone with Varane and Martinez still missing (Picture: Getty)

Erik ten Hag has singled out the ?brilliant? Victor Lindelof following Manchester United?s victory over Aston Villa.

Bruno Fernandes? goal after 39 minutes was enough to seal the win for United on Sunday afternoon, a victory that tightens their grip on a top four finish.

With Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both sidelined, ten Hag has selected Lindelof and Luke Shaw at the heart of his defence, with the pair starting for the third game in a row at Old Trafford against Unai Emery?s side.

The pair helped United keep another clean sheet with the Swede in particular impressing, making a superb goal line clearance to deny Douglas Luiz with 10 minutes remaining.
Ollie Watkins has been one of the league?s in-form strikers with 14 goals in the Premier League this term but ten Hag was delighted with his defender?s performance up against him.

?A good three points but I think an impressive performance from Manchester United,? ten Hag told BBC. ?We were magnificent on the ball, had good possession and pressed well.

?In the second half you want to go 2-0 ahead but we didn’t so it’s always going to be a tough finish.

Ten Hag feels United are ‘in control’ of the top four race (Picture: Getty)

?[Victor Lindelof] played brilliant. He was totally in control in the area around [Ollie] Watkins.?

Victory solidifies United’s place in fourth place, two points beh...