Tyrell Malacia set a target of 20 appearances in his first Manchester United season. His start against Aston Villa was his 36th.
The 23-year-old was elected as United's mixed zone representative at Old Trafford on Sunday, a logical choice after what was Malacia's most accomplished performance since his purple patch back in late August and early September.
United's defeat of Villa was their 15th clean sheet in the Premier League this term and Villa failed to score for the first time under Unai Emery. Malacia's sliding tackles on John McGinn and Ashley Young in the first half generated rousing roars of approval from the United matchgoers.