Bruno Fernandes was key to Erik ten Hag's new Manchester United plan in Aston Villa win

After a week in which Unai Emery's impact on the Premier League had been the focus of so much praise, Erik ten Hag came up with a tactical plan that reminded onlookers of his own credentials to be one of the most influential new arrivals in the dugout this season.

Emery has transformed Villa since taking over in November, but United now have five points more than they did at this stage last season, with six games still to go. With this victory they also pretty much ended any debate when it comes to their status in the top four between now and the end of May.

When Ten Hag's team selection landed at Old Trafford on Sunday, at a time when the focus was on the protests against the Glazers gathering outside, it led to some raised eyebrows. With a winger (Antony) and a striker (Anthony Martial) on the bench, Ten Hag had opted to shift Bruno Fernandes out wide instead.

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But there is always method in the perceived madness. Fernandes' winning goal might not have been a thing of beauty, but United will wonder how they didn't take advantage of an approach that preyed on Villa's weakness.

Fernandes has started seven games on the right of United's front three now and two have been against Villa. In the Carabao Cup win a few days after the defeat at Villa Park he scored one and created another and perhaps Ten Hag had hinted at this role in midweek.

Asked about the impact of Emery on Aston Villa, he said: "We met him the first game and he surprised us. We were low energy levels so we have to avoid that, but he surprised us with the system. Three days after we learnt a lot from that game."

Maybe part of what he learnt is that Fernandes is a useful option from out wide