Aston Villa defender Joleon Lescott has urged his teammates to give the fans something to cheer about in the closing stages of the season.

Villa's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed this afternoon as they fell to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Manchester United - the club's ninth defeat in a row.

Only a win would have delayed the inevitable for Villa, but Lescott is hopeful that the confirmation of their fate will act as a weight off their shoulders over the final four games of the season.

"We knew before the game what we had to do but coming to Old Trafford is never easy no matter what situation you're in. Throughout the game we showed a level of pride that there's probably not been enough of throughout the season," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"It's about results so regardless of how we played in patches today we are relegated. We need to find a way to get out of this run of defeats. Now it's confirmed maybe it's a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they deserve, some performances.

"Throughout the season we have given reasons for people to jump on us. It's part of football, we have to take that on the chin. It's a tough time at the minute. At the back of our minds is next season to get promoted. I'm here for as long as Aston Villa want me."

Villa have now lost 24 of their 34 league games this season.