Ten Hag praises Manchester United players for 'brilliant week' after win over Aston Villa

Erik ten Hag praised his Manchester United players for a "brilliant week" after Sunday's Premier League victory over Aston Villa further cemented the club's position in the top four.

Seven days after securing their place in the FA Cup final, and a meeting with rivals Manchester City, following a penalty shootout victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, United defeated an in-form Villa 1-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of Bruno Fernandes' goal.

United, in fourth, hold a seven-point advantage over fifth-placed Liverpool and still have a game in hand. It means United's hopes of playing Champions League football next season are very much in their control.

Ten Hag, who already guided United to the League Cup this season, brushed aside questions about the success he has had in his first year as manager, saying it was a "brilliant week" for his team but there is plenty of football left to play.

"This question I think you have to wait until it's done," Ten Hag said. "We have to keep going, from game to game, but I think this is a brilliant week for us."

United defeated Brighton 7-6 in a penalty shootout in the FA Cup semi-finals last Sunday and then played Tottenham to a 2-2 league draw. Ten Hag was critical of his side after that game for giving up a two-goal lead, but he was pleased with their response against Villa.

"When you are in a semi-final in a tough game against a good opponent we have seen in the week, we played a very good game to get through to the final," the Dutchman said.

"And then Tottenham, we played the first half very well. And today we played two halves, I think an impressive game. So big credits to the team."

Fernandes scored Sunday's lone goal - and the 100th league goal of his career - six minutes before halftime.