Manchester United must be annoyed that they lost to Aston Villa—the Villans celebrated their tenth competitive win in a row. At least one son of a legend made his Premier League debut for the Red Devils.
Three big chances in just eight minutes – ManUnited’s away game at Villa Park got off to a flying start. Although Unai Emery’s team was playing at home and had won all of its last nine competitive games, it played relatively one-dimensionally on quick counterattacks. United keeper Lammens then had to make a double save (7th minute), before Maatsen’s shot from the resulting corner narrowly missed the far post (8th minute).
The Red Devils, for whom Cunha had knocked early with a curling shot (3rd minute), were more active. Even without their Africa Cup of Nations players Mbeumo, Amad, and Mazraoui, the visitors had more of the play and presented a more polished build-up, but creative play still proved difficult. Fernandes’ cross from the halfway line found its way to Sesko, who failed to beat the quick-reacting Martinez in a one-on-one situation (22′).
United respond quickly
Towards the end of the first half, United became more and more dominant in their defensive play, with the in-form Rogers suddenly firing the ball into the top corner (45′). However, a high ball won by Dorgu allowed Cunha to score a deserved equalizer before the break (45’+3).
Manchester captain Fernandes remained in the dressing room, injured, as had been apparent at the end of the first half. Nevertheless, the Red Devils continued to be the more active team, who were slightly better and also closer to scoring. But that didn’t matter to Rogers, who once again curled another shot into the far corner from the left-hand side of the box to make it 2-1 to Villa (57′).
Cunha misses – Legend’s son Fletcher makes his debut
Rogers’ individual brilliance made the difference, although Villa could also rely on a largely stable defense. United were often forced to take long-range shots, which Martinez was able to deal with when necessary. One exception was a silky cross from Dorgu, which Cunha was unable to convert from five yards out – a huge chance (67′).
Time was running out, but Villa’s defense remained solid. Amorim made a virtue of necessity, bringing on several youngsters and helping 18-year-old Jack Fletcher, son of United legend Darren Fletcher, make his Premier League debut.
But even that didn’t make a difference in the end, as the last big chance failed to materialize. United thus slips to 7th place, while Villa secures its third place in typical fashion with its tenth competitive win in a row. Leaders Arsenal are only three points away.
