Clinton scores "ingenious" long-range strike as Man Utd beat Aston Villa
Manchester United consolidated their position in the Women's Super League's top three with a dominant victory over struggling Aston Villa.
Marc Skinner's side were in complete control at Villa Park and were rewarded as they moved seven points clear of rivals Manchester City in the hunt for Women's Champions League qualification.
It was a further blow to Villa's survival hopes as concern increases for Natalia Arroyo's side, who remain just one point above the relegation spot.
They were outclassed and outsmarted by a superior United side and found themselves deservedly 3-0 down by half-time.
Striker Elisabeth Terland scored twice - tapping Celin Bizet's pass into the net from close range, before heading in Jayde Riviere's brilliant curling cross.
England international Grace Clinton added a third on the stroke of half-time, chipping goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo from long-range.
Villa felt Clinton fouled Jill Baijings in the build-up to her goal but could have no complaints as United extended their lead later when Leah Galton's touch was deflected into the roof of the net by defender Lucy Parker.
It was a complete performance by United but they travel back to Manchester with injury concerns as Bizet and substitute Anna Sandberg were both forced off in the second half.
Villa's task does not get any easier and they have five games to confirm their place in the WSL for next season.
Concerns for Villa as United impress
Villa manager Arroyo said in her pre-match programme notes that her side were not in a good place.
"There are no excuses, we are struggling. We're not getting the results that we all expect and not performing the way that we want," she said.
Things only got worse at Villa Park as they trailed by three goals when the half-time whistle went and the players trudged down the tunnel, heads bowed and appearing in deep thought.
It had been too easy for United - a double from striker Terland killing any early hope, before Clinton's audacious long-range chip added salt to Villa's wounds.
Villa's winless run now extends to seven games in the WSL and, with their position in the table becoming increasingly more concerning, they have two away trips against Liverpool and Tottenham to come next.
"It was a difficult defeat and difficult result," said Arroyo after the game.
"We weren't able to compete at the level you need to against Manchester United in the first half, then the second half was a mountain too high to climb.
"I took good things from that second half even if we weren't able to be in the game. We showed pride and hurt and that is what we need for the next few games."
But for United this was a welcome display after a disappointing defeat by Liverpool at Anfield last weekend and manager Skinner was evidently delighted with his side's performance.
They were dominant from kick-off and caused problems out wide for Villa - right-back Riviere's deliveries were a touch of quality and Galton constantly found herself in dangerous positions which paid dividends for United's fourth goal.
Midfielder Clinton constantly broke down play and Bizet was a threat until she had to go off following a heavy challenge by Villa defender Dan Turner.
Skinner was upset by the challenge and argued with referee Emily Heaslip as Bizet went down the tunnel in discomfort, holding a bib to cover her face.
"I don't know how [Bizet] is yet. She is upset," said Skinner.
"Dan Turner is not malicious at all. I was angry but not at her. It was the protection of my player but we also didn't get an advantage. It was a red card challenge.
"I hope Bizet's OK. If she reacts like that, it's clearly not good. It was dangerous play and it should be a red card.
"We will assess Sandberg. It looked like a hamstring but we will see."
While injury concerns will linger, this result is another boost to United's hopes of securing Champions League football next season and they will have been encouraged by rivals' Manchester City's 2-1 defeat by Chelsea earlier on Sunday.
Villa's position remains precarious and Arroyo will need to find inspiration from somewhere if she is to lift her team out of this slump.
Player of the match
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
