Douglas Luiz squared up to Rasmus Hojlund in the closing stages of Manchester United‘s win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

With both teams chasing a Champions League place, the pressure was on at Villa Park from the outset, with United in particular in danger of falling out of the race with a defeat.

The visitors responded emphatically, with Hojlund continuing his hot streak in front of goal to give United the lead after connecting with a Harry Maguire header.

In firing past Emi Martinez Hojlund has now netted in five successive league games, becoming youngest player since Nicolas Anelka to achieve such a feat in the Premier League.

With Luke Shaw replaced through injury at half-time United appeared significantly more vulnerable and Villa eventually forced their way back into the game with Luiz levelling after the hour mark.

Rasmus Hojlund (left) and Douglas Luiz had a coming together in the closing stages of Man United’s win over Aston Villa

Luiz was frustrated by Hojlund as he was trudging off the pitch during his substitution

Hojlund was substituted in stoppage-time of United’s 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday evening

Hojlund continued his Premier League hot streak at Villa Park by giving United the lead

But Villa remained in the game and Luiz equalised from a corner after the hour mark

The former Manchester City midfielder wildly celebrated his goal, a decision that later saw him trolled by Rio Ferdinand on social media.

As the game approached its closing stages it appeared both sides would be content leaving with a point.

Scott McTominay‘s introduction increased the momentum late on, and the Scotsman was again on hand to produce a vital goal as he restored United’s lead on 86 minutes.

With Erik ten Hag looking to secure victory, Hojlund was replaced in stoppage time by Jonny Evans.

The 21-year-old took his time departing the pitch as the clock ran down and offered a cheeky gesture to the Villa Park faithful by reminding them of the score and signalling that they should simmer down.

Clearly unhappy with both the gesture, and the clock running down as he meandered off the field of the play, Luiz ran over to him and grabbed his shirt before ushering the forward off.

Villa fans made their feelings clear throughout the incident, with clips on social media demonstrating just how much Hojlund had infuriated some of the supporters in attendance.

United would have the last laugh though, as they held out to secure three points.

With what could prove to be a crucial win under their belt, United celebrated on the pitch at Villa Park with Hojlund giving his shirt to a young supporter in attendance.

As the game approached stoppage time level, substitute Scott McTominay headed home to restore United’s lead

Hojlund was replaced by Jonny Evans in stoppage time, prompting the incident between him and Luiz

Erik ten Hag’s side are now just five points behind Villa, and six behind Tottenham in fourth

Victory also marks just the second time this season Ten Hag’s side have won three Premier League games on the bounce, and such form will need to continue if they are to maintain a charge for Champions League football.

Tottenham currently sit six points ahead in fourth, and Sunday’s victory closed the gap between United and Villa to just five points.

A trip to Kenilworth Road is next for Ten Hag’s side as they take on Luton on Saturday before hosting Fulham the following weekend.

Villa meanwhile will continue their attempt to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in its current format when they travel to Craven Cottage next weekend.