Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had to leave his position as head coach of Manchester United on Sunday.
The big loss with 1-4 against Watford in the league game was his last match at the helm.
Tonight, the temporary replacement Michael Carrick stepped into the post and he gave Victor Nilsson Lindelöf the chance from the start.
And it was a victory.
Double goals in the second half gave the English big club three important points in the group stage, which means that the team is now ready for the finals in the Champions League.
Ronaldo painted again
The first half ended goalless - and with just over half an hour left of the second, Villarreal was close to a lead goal.
Manu Trigueros pulled away centrally and fired a heavy shot that forced United goalkeeper David de Gea to a parade.
Just a few minutes later it was time again.
The home team's Dutchman Arnaut Danjuma got a golden shooting position and tried with his right foot to grunt the ball into the far corner - but shot high over.
Twelve minutes from the final whistle, Cristiano Ronaldo's decisive goal came when the ball steamed down at his feet and he could lobby it behind Geronimo Rulli.
Bruno Fernandes then served Jadon Sancho, who was able to score 2-0.
So that was the end result.