text: 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 .
target: Ander Herrera impresses with two goals for Manchester United in victory .
  Wayne Rooney also finds the back of the net against Aston Villa in 3-1 win .
  Brad Guzan the best performer for Tim Sherwood's side at Old Trafford .