article_snippet.sent: United's win over Aston Villa took United's win over Aston Villa third, eight points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool in the table .
article_snippet.sent: A 1-0 defeat to Manchester City meant that Man United had taken just 13 points from their opening 10 matches - it was their worst start to a league campaign since 1986, when Ron Atkinson only lasted until November.
article_snippet.sent: their had also been humiliated in the Capital One Cup by League One side MK Dons.
article_snippet.sent: Man United were again at things best in Saturday's 3-1 home win over Aston Villa, which took things third .
article_snippet.sent: United's faithful failure to qualify for the continent's premier club competition this year is a mere blip, rather than a symbol of sustained decline.
article_snippet.sent: The 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday was another indication that Man United are now a settled side.
highlights_snippet.sent: Man United have an eight-point cushion from fifth-place Liverpool .
  