A strong performance from Manchester United against Aston Villa drew praise from an unexpected source after their latest Premier League clash.

Jack Grealish, once Villa's talisman and captain, and currently on loan from Manchester City at Everton, took to social media to express admiration for one of United's standout performers following the match.

United secured a convincing 3-1 victory that strengthened their position in the Premier League's top four race. The result also highlighted the growing influence of several players in the squad, particularly captain Bruno Fernandes, whose creativity again proved decisive.

Fernandes played a pivotal role in the win, registering two assists as United strengthened their push for qualification to the UEFA Champions League next season. His creativity and influence were on full display throughout the match, particularly during the second half when he set up both goals that helped seal the result.

Grealish, who is currently sidelined with injury, watched the game from home and took to Instagram to share his reaction. The England international posted a screenshot of the match on his Instagram Story and used the moment to praise Fernandes' quality.

"Bruno is absolutely unbelievable footballer man," Grealish wrote in the caption.

The message caught attention because Grealish has spent much of his career competing against Manchester United. Over the years, he has faced Fernandes while playing for Villa, Manchester City, and most recently Everton.

Despite that competitive history, Grealish clearly appreciated the level of performance Fernandes delivered in the match.

Fernandes' creative season continues

Fernandes' two assists against Villa pushed his Premier League total to 16 for the season, a remarkable figure that highlights his importance to United's attacking play.

The performance also helped extend the strong run of form the team has enjoyed at home under manager Michael Carrick. With the win, Carrick maintained a perfect home record in the league since taking charge, a streak that has played a major role in United's push up the table.

Fernandes' playmaking influence has been one of the defining stories of the club's campaign. His vision, passing range, and ability to create scoring opportunities have consistently driven United's offense.

In fact, his latest assists saw him surpass a long-standing club record held by David Beckham. Beckham recorded 15 assists during the 1999-2000 Premier League season, a benchmark that stood for more than two decades before Fernandes moved past it.

The victory also carried major implications in the standings. Manchester United moved six points clear of Liverpool F.C., who currently sit in fifth place, giving United a stronger grip on a top-four position.

Securing a Champions League berth remains one of the club's primary objectives this season, and Fernandes has been at the center of that effort.

Meanwhile, Grealish's own season has taken a difficult turn.

The 30-year-old underwent surgery on a foot injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. His loan stint with Everton is therefore likely to conclude without him returning to the field before the season ends.

For Fernandes, the recognition from a fellow Premier League star only adds to what has already been a memorable season filled with record-breaking creativity and crucial contributions in United's race for European qualification.