Marc Skinner's side are now seven points clear of fourth-placed Manchester City, with just five league games left to play this season

Manchester United's chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League were boosted massively by a comfortable 4-0 win at Aston Villa on Sunday, with two Elisabeth Terland goals, a Leah Galton strike and a moment of magic from Grace Clinton allowing the Red Devils to bounce back from a shock loss to Liverpool last week. Marc Skinner's side now have a seven-point cushion inside the Women's Super League's top three, after victory at Villa Park followed defeat for a chasing Manchester City.

That loss at Anfield meant United were only four points ahead of their city rivals going into the weekend but they responded brilliantly in this outing, with three first-half goals putting the game to bed before the interval. Terland bagged the first two, showcasing great instincts in the box to convert crosses from Celin Bizet and Jayde Riviere. There was real controversy around the strike that made it three, as Clinton appeared to clearly, and heavily, pull the shirt of Villa midfielder Jill Baijings as she dispossessed her. The referee waved play on, though, and Clinton took full advantage by lobbing Sabrina D'Angelo from distance. Galton then grabbed the fourth after the break, finishing off one of many flowing moves.

It wasn't all rosy for United, however. Bizet's heavy landing after a foul by Dan Turner would force the flying winger off in some pain, while half-time substitute Anna Sandberg also withdrew due to an issue picked up off the ball. Any absentees will be cause for concern as the Red Devils go into a final run-in that includes games against all of Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City, plus the continuation of their FA Cup defence. That said, with just five league games to play, they have given themselves a great chance of playing in Europe next year.

GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Villa Park…

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Phallon Tullis-Joyce (6/10):

Didn't have much to do but dealt with what she had to in order to keep yet another clean sheet.

Jayde Riviere (8/10):

Offered a brilliant outlet down the right, with key contributions to both goals.

Maya Le Tissier (7/10):

Kept the ball well, created a few chances with her long passes and was solid in her defensive work.

Millie Turner (6/10):

Dominant in her duels, though a little sloppy at times on the ball.

Gabby George (6/10):

Battled well off the ball and got forward plenty. Final product wasn't always great, however. Off at half time.

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Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):

Generally tidy in the middle and worked nicely with the rest of the midfield to help United control the game.

Grace Clinton (8/10):

Showed her class with her goal, even if there was some luck involved with the non-foul before it. The star moment of a great performance.

Ella Toone (7/10):

Picked up nice pockets of space and was always positive when she got the ball.

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Celin Bizet (7/10):

A hard-working display down the right, with plenty to like about her ability to create chances. A real shame, and concern, to see her go off injured.

Elisabeth Terland (8/10):

Missed a big chance early on, then was deadly to make amends with a brace.

Leah Galton (7/10):

Not as consistently involved as Bizet, though caused big problems when she was, as evidenced by her goal. Filled in well at left-back when Sandberg limped off.

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Anna Sandberg (N/A):

Replaced George at the break but then went off injured midway through the second half.

Melvine Malard (7/10):

Came on for Bizet before the hour and made a quick impact when she delivered a great cross for Galton to make it four. That set the tone for an energetic and creative cameo.

Rachel Williams (6/10):

Didn't get much service, with United already able to take their foot off the gas a little by the time she was introduced. Wasn't for a lack of effort, though.

Aoife Mannion (N/A):

Came on for her 50th Man Utd appearance in the closing minutes.

Marc Skinner (7/10):

Deployed a very attack-minded midfield and that risk reaped rewards, with all three of his choices in there having great games.