A spectacular goal by captain Wayne Rooney and a double from Ander Herrera ensured Manchester United kept up their rampant form at Old Trafford to climb up to third spot and open up an eight-point gap over Liverpool in the race for a Champions League spot.

Rooney controlled substitute Angel Di Maria's cross with his left foot before spinning 180 degrees and lashing a finish past Brad Guzan with his right for arguably the best goal seen at the Theatre of Dreams this season.

The 79th-minute stunner was Rooney's sixth goal in eight games for United since being moved back up front by Louis van Gaal and gave them a decisive 2-0 lead after Ander Herrera had opened the scoring approaching half-time.

Although a David de Gea blunder allowed Christian Benteke to pull a goal back for Villa shortly after Rooney's strike, the home side held on for a victory that 70 per cent possession deserved with Herrera securing victory with his second goal in injury-time.

United have now won 13 of 16 Premier League games at their home fortress this season and collected a total tally of 40 points, the highest in the division.

Earlier, Arsenal had blow Liverpool away at the Emirates with a 4-1 win to go 2nd.

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