Manchester United have kept the pressure on Premeier League leaders Manchester City with a 1-0 win against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
United's evening began in unfortunate circumstances when striker Javier Hernandez was stretchered off with suspected ankle ligament damage.
However, the visitors took control of the game after the lengthy break in play and went ahead on 19 minutes when Phil Jones volleyed in Nani's cross to score his first goal for the club.
Nani had a great opportunity to double his side's lead before the break, but his header was saved by Shay Given. Antonio Valencia also flashed a shot marginally over from distance during a dominant spell for the Reds.
Given's participation ended soon after when he was stretchered off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
Villa were improved in the second half but half-chances for Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey could not be converted.
Jermaine Jenas became the third player to leave the field of play on a stretcher, leading to questions over the quality of the playing surface.
Further chances for Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck should have killed the game off for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, but some wayward finishing kept the score at 1-0.
The result has have moved the Red Devils back into second in the table, five points behind local rivals City.
Jack Prescott
