Manchester United climbed above rivals Manchester City on Saturday night into third place in the Premier League table after a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa . Ander Herrera opened the scoring before half time and Wayne Rooney made it two after the interval with a superb second before Christian Benteke pulled one back for Tim Sherwood 's side . But midfielder Herrera added his second and United 's third late on to secure the three points for Manchester United . Here , Sportsmail 's Dominic King gives his player ratings from Old Trafford . Manchester United ( 4-3-3 ) David de Gea – One of the quietest afternoons he has had all season ; perhaps that explained his aberration for Aston Villa ’ s goal – 6 . Antonio Valencia – Industrious down the right flank , almost created a goal for Rooney with one surge ; not tested defensively – 7.5 . Manchester United pair Phil Jones ( left ) and Antonio Valencia ( right ) battle Christian Benteke for the ball . Phil Jones – With Villa offering no threat , the England international was able to engage cruise control . Had Benteke under-wraps – 7 . Marcus Rojo – Elegant on the ball , passed it well and came close to opening the scoring with a 30-yard drive that fizzed over the bar – 7 . Daley Blind – Always looks comfortable regardless of the position he plays ; a professional job in a professional performance – 6.5 . Ander Herrera – To think there was a time when he couldn ’ t get a game . Passing was excellent and his two goals were thoroughly deserved – 8.5 . Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera celebrates opening the scoring against Aston Villa . Michael Carrick – Having a renaissance this season after disappearing under David Moyes ; kept things simple and smooth – 7 . Marouane Fellaini – He bullied Liverpool in his last performance but wasn ’ t so aggressive here ; could have scored with a second half header – 6.5 . Juan Mata – No repeat of his Anfield heroics . Flitted in and out of the game , some nice moments but times when he disappeared – 6.5 . Juan Mata in action for Manchester United against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday . Ashley Young – Had the bit between his teeth against his old club ; came close to a goal with a flashing drive in the second half – 7.5 . Wayne Rooney – Captain led by example and scored a quite magnificent half-volley to give United an unassailable lead – 7 . Wayne Rooney ( centre ) celebrates his goal with team-mates Radamel Falcao ( left ) and Herrera . SUBS . Di Maria ( for Young ) 70mins . Falcao ( for Fellaini ) 77mins . UNUSED . Valdes ( GK ) , Rafael Di Silva , Di Maria , Falcao , Januzaj , McNair , Pereira . Aston Villa ( 4-4-2 ) Brad Guzan – Earned his keep with saves from Rojo , Blind , Rooney and Fellaini ; couldn ’ t do anything about Herrera ’ s goal – 7 . Alan Hutton – Substituted at half-time with an injury . Had previously found it hard work trying to contain Young – 5.5 . Jores Okore – Powerless to stop Rooney scoring a magnificent second ; not a great impact on the game – 5.5 . Aston Villa defender Jores Okore ( left ) vies for the ball with Manchester United captain Rooney . Ciaran Clark – Fortunate to escape in the fourth minute when wrestling Rooney to the floor ; could easily have been sent-off – 6 . Matthew Lowton – Playing out of position on the left and it was heavy weather at times when Mata started running at him – 5.5 . Charles N ’ Zogbia – Seemed his job was more centred on stopping United attacking rather than on going forward himself – 5.5 . Carlos Sanchez – Lots of energy in the middle but offered nothing to get Villa going forward ; difficult afternoon – 6 . Fabian Delph – Had his work cut out trying to keep Herrera in check . Never had chance to get Villa moving forward – 6.5 . Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph ( left ) battles for the ball with Ashley Young of Manchester United . Andreas Weimann – Didn ’ t make much of a contribution going forward and had little influence on the game ; substituted late on – 6 . Christian Benteke – Threw his side a late lifeline when benefitting from a rare De Gea lapse ; it was the only chance he got – 6.5 . Aston Villa striker Benteke ( left ) celebrates scoring against Manchester United . SUBS . Joe Cole ( for Weimann 77mins ) UNUSED . Given ( GK ) , Baker , Vlaar , Bacuna , Cole , Gil , Grealish .
Ander ##field contributed with two goals for Manchester United in victory . Wayne Rooney also finds the back of the net against Aston Villa in 2 - 1 win . Brad Guzan the best player for team ##sley 's side at old Trafford .