Half-Time Report: Ander Herrera strike puts Manchester United ahead at the break

Ander Herrera's late strike has given Manchester United a 1-0 half-time lead over visitors Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon.

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United started the game brightly and they were soon shouting for a penalty as Marouane Fellaini fed in Wayne Rooney, who thought he was pulled down by Ciaran Clark only for referee Roger East to wave play on.

As Louis van Gaal's charges continued to dominate, Villa sought to play out on the counter and Christian Benteke did well to produce a smart stop from David de Gea down at his bottom right corner.

With the hosts sensing an opener Marcos Rojo tried to test Brad Guzan, and he found the keeper in good form as the American stopper pushed his long-range shot over the crossbar.

In a half dominated by the Red Devils the home side were wasteful again, this time as Rooney fired wide to the left from Antonio Valencia's cross into the box.

United finally grabbed the goal that their first-half dominance deserved in the 43rd minute, as Herrera picked up the ball from Daley Blind before finishing into the bottom right corner with his left.