Manchester United vs Aston Villa LIVE: Result and reaction from Premier League fixture tonight

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Follow all the action as Manchester United host Aston Villa in the Premier League on New Year’s Day.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have surged into title contention, having remained unbeaten since 12 December, when they were knocked out of the Champions League by RB Leipzig. United are just three points adrift of leaders Liverpool and boast a game in hand, although the defending champions have a large advantage on goal difference. Nevertheless, it has been a brilliant run for Solskjaer, whose position had once against come under scrutiny earlier in the campaign after an indifferent start. The head coach admitted victory against Wolves last time out, courtesy of a stoppage-time deflection, required more than a little fortune but they are now genuine contenders.

Aston Villa will provide a stern test of those credentials, though, with Dean Smith’s side enjoying a brilliant campaign after their relegation struggle last season. The Villans sit in fifth, just seven points adrift of Liverpool, and have two games in hand, with astute summer recruitment paying dividends as the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins continue to thrive. Villa will be confident of causing an upset, too, having gone unbeaten last month while holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw last time out. Follow all the action live below:

• Solskjaer plays down United’s title aspirations

• Manchester United players can’t fake their way into first team