Thanks to super-sub Scott McTominay's powerful header, Manchester United won 2-1 away against fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa in a fierce battle in the final stages.
It was a game that the sixth-placed Red Devils could not afford to lose, given that Unai Emery's side sit higher in the table and were able to extend their eight-point cushion to an impressive 11 points. It felt like.
In-form Rasmus Højlund broke Villa's heart on Boxing Day as United got off to a dream start with a run of five Premier League goals, but the hosts responded brilliantly and deserved Douglas Luiz's late equaliser. It was something.
The game was tense from then on and McTominay made another important contribution, scoring the fourth goal off the bench four minutes before the end to seal the points for Villa Park.
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As Erik ten Hag celebrates his first away win in the Premier League against a top-eight team, Emery may be wondering how he managed to finish Sunday's game without a point.
Furthermore, it was the first time this season that United achieved four consecutive wins in all competitions.
Raphael Varane replaced the injured Lisandro Martinez in United's starting XI, but Ten Hag has otherwise kept his team's faith in him with a clear confidence-boosting win against West Ham. .
United started at Villa Park with confidence and purpose. Marcus Rashford's furious run from their own half saw Alejandro Garnacho's cross picked up by Jojlund and stopped by Diego Carlos.
Villa's Brazilian centre-back made another vital intervention, blocking Hojland's shot from a lovely pass from Bruno Fernandes, after Harry Maguire headed the ball over for a corner.
Garnacho ended United's pressure in the 17th minute with a shot wide of the net from 20 yards.
Maguire outscored Boubacar Camara to meet Fernandes' set-piece and his header fell to unmarshal Hodjlund to score from close range in front of a quiet Holte End.
Only Nicolas Anelka, who turned 21 last weekend, has scored in five consecutive Premier League appearances at a younger age than United, who signed this summer.
This goal woke Villa from their slumber. Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey tried, but John McGinn's 20-yard thunderbolt forced Andre Onana into a reaction save.
Moments later, United's goalkeeper bravely darted out to deny Ollie Watkins and, after receiving treatment, Ramsey fired the ball wide.
Maguire blocked the Villa midfielder's next attack and McGinn looked to catch Onana with a cheeky free-kick from the right.
Victor Lindelof replaced Luke Shaw at half-time at left-back and Villa were soon happy on the wing, with Watkins meeting a cross and firing straight at Onana.
But it wasn't a one-way street. Rashford had earlier spun and under-hit Emiliano Martinez's shot and continued to look lively alongside Garnacho.
Villa were unable to create any clear-cut chances and were causing problems for their opponents.
There was potential for frustration, especially after losing Kamara to injury, but the home faithful held on and were rewarded with a 67th-minute equalizer.
Onana saved Clement Lenglet, who scored an unconventional equalizer from a corner kick, but Villa continued to play and the ball, deflected by Bailey's drive, was returned home from six yards by Lewis.
The Holte end exploded, but there was a sharp gasp when Garnacho cut in and flashed just wide just three minutes later.
Villa looked likely to grab the winner, but Diogo Dalot was lucky his fluffy clearance was missed by Luiz and substitute Moussa Diaby squandered the chance. Oops.
Garnacho also struggled as the clock ticked down, allowing United to score the winner in the second half.
On the right, Koby Mainu showed good footwork and awareness to lay off, Dalot crossed for the first time, McTominay beat Matty Cash and the ball went past Martinez.
Watkins and Cash struggled in the closing stages, but United were unstoppable on the road.
United currently hold the last Champions League spot in fourth place, six points behind Tottenham Hotspur, and are within five points of fifth-placed Villa.
“I don't take it very personally. [sic] McTominay, who has contributed with a string of important goals this season, told Sky Sports after the game:
“I want to continue to help the team as much as I can and may it continue for a long time.
“Every match we win means a lot to a striker in terms of progress and confidence.
“It's all positive and now we have to repeat that and not get too carried away when we have a chance of winning back-to-backs. We can't let off the gas.”
