Manchester United got their push for Champions League qualification back on track with a 4-0 Women’s Super League win at relegation-battlers Aston Villa.

In-form Norway forward Elisabeth Terland struck twice in the first half with Grace Clinton’s long-range chip just ahead of the break putting the visitors in complete control.

Leah Galton added a fourth shortly after the hour – following what looked a potentially serious injury to United midfielder Celin Bizet – as Marc Skinner’s side recovered from last week’s defeat to Liverpool with a comprehensive display.

United started brightly, with Bizet cutting inside before sending a rising shot over.

Villa soon threatened themselves on the counter-attack through Jordan Nobbs, but Rachel Daly’s final ball was comfortably collected by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

Terland then fired United ahead in the 22 minute when she knocked in a ball through the six-yard box from Bizet.

Before Villa could regroup, Terland scored again 10 minutes later, heading in at the back post from Jayde Riviere’s floated cross for her fifth goal in four WSL games.

United – looking to extend their advantage to seven points over rivals City, who earlier lost at leaders Chelsea – grabbed a third in the final minute of the first half.

Villa midfielder Jill Baijings was claiming a free-kick after having her shirt pulled by Clinton, but play was waved on by the referee.

And England midfielder Clinton strode forwards before sending a 40-yard effort over Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, who had strayed off her line.

Villa almost pulled a goal back just before the break when Gabi Nunes saw her header come back off the crossbar following a corner.

United were forced into a change early in the second half when Bizet was clattered by Danielle Turner as she broke down the right, which left manager Skinner fuming.

Villa defender Turner was shown a yellow card. After treatment, Norway midfielder Bizet was eventually helped off down the tunnel in obvious distress, with a bib covering her head, and Melvine Malard was sent on.

United scored a fourth in the 64th minute.

Terland knocked the ball out wide on the right for Malard, who sent in a low cross towards the near post, where Galton arrived to fire past D’Angelo.

Villa – who remain a point above bottom club Crystal Palace following a sixth straight WSL defeat – went close to a late consolation when Missy Bo Kearns clipped an angled shot just wide of the far post.