Manchester United are on course to preserve their perfect start to the season after Adnan Januzaj gave them a half-time lead away to Aston Villa.
Villa looked to make a fast start with Ashley Westwood trying to fashion early chances before seeing his attempts snuffed out by a watchful Red Devils backline.
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United's first opening of note came when Juan Mata slotted a diagonal pass into the path of Memphis Depay, but the Dutchman lost his footing at the crucial moment as the ball got away from him.
On 16 minutes, the visitors tried to test Brad Guzan from Depay's free kick, which found Morgan Schneiderlin at the far post only for the Frenchman to see his header bounce harmlessly wide of the right-hand post.
Guzan then produced a well-timed slide tackle with Depay baring down on his penalty area as United appeared to be settling into their task.
Midway through the half, United tried to catch the Villa defence cold as Wayne Rooney produced a flick-on, intended for Depay, but Micah Richards was on hand to clear the danger.
However, the Red Devils' concerted pressure told as Januzaj found space on the left side of the area and, after turning onto his right foot, the Belgian calmly stroked the ball into the far corner of Guzan's net.
With half time approaching, Villa thought they should have had a penalty after Matteo Darmian tangled with Richards, but referee Mike Dean was unmoved.
Chris O'Keefe
