No Christmas cheer for Utd
United’s unbeaten run away from home came to an end as they went down at Villa Park today. They gave as good as they got, and drew level right before the break via Matheus Cunha. They could not find another equaliser though and also lost Bruno Fernandes to an injury.
The hosts have now won ten games in a row to keep on the heels of the leaders. They were not at their best but again Morgan Rogers proved to be the difference.
Unai Emery was able to welcome back Emiliano Martinez in goal after a recent injury. He was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the August deadline day. He repaced Marco Bizot. One player who did move on that day was not be involved. Jadon Sancho could not play his parent club. Victor Lindelof kept his place in defence. Evann Guessand was in the bench prior to leaving for AFCON.
Ruben Amorim was missing key players due to injury, suspension and AFCON. Casemiro missed out after his yellow card against Bournemouth and Kobee Mainoo picked up a slight knock. Manuel Ugarte took his place in midfield. Patrick Dorgu started out on the left and Benjamin Sesko started up front.
Villa were looking to pick up a rare win against their bogey side and almost found a way through on six minutes. Manuel Ugarte gave up possession in midfield that allowed John McGinn through for a chance. Senne Lammens saved the effort and Ayden Heaven cleared the rebound. The young defender then intercepted a long ball by Victor Lindelof intended for Ollie Watkins.
At the other end, Benjamin Sesko should have done better when he was put clear through. He only managed to shoot straight at Emiliano Martinez.
Utd were controlling the game but suffered a major blow when Bruno Fernandes went down with an injury. He took a knock after a late challenge by Amadou Onana for which the Villa midfielder escaped a booking. He stayed on but was clearly struggling.
Morgan Rogers then dealt the reds a further blow with the opening goal just before the break. He was found out on the sideline by McGinn before cutting inside to rifle a shot into the top corner.
They thought that was going to be enough to lead at half-time but instead United drew level. Matty Cash was caught trying to play the ball out from the back by Patrick Dorgu. He found Matheus Cunha who steadied himself before planting a low shot into the bottom corner.
Fernandes was unable to continue and had to be replaced at the break by Lisandro Martinez who slotted into midfield. They crafted half chances for Mason Mount and Cunha as they sought to maintain a decent away form in recent weeks.
It was the home side who found themselves back in front on 57 minutes though and Rogers was the man causing the damage. Watkins found him out on the left and as with the first he cut inside before finding the far corner. Leny Yoro was a bit slow in coming out to challenge him.
Utd should have equalised ten minutes later. Dorgu crossed from the left and found Cunha in the centre. He headed it down but it went wide of the post. Further reshuffling in midfield saw debutant Jack Fletcher alongside Martinez.
Another debutant made his entrance as Shea Lacey was introduced to the fray. He had a decent effort saved by Martinez in the 90th minute after being found by Cunha. Villa were doing just about enough to hold out in the remaining minutes for the win.
It was clear on the final whistle who were the team relieved and the team disappointed. Utd must hope to revive their European hopes when they host Newcastle on the sole fixture on Stephen’s Day. Villa will be taking on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the folowing day.
Aston Villa: Emiliano Martinez, Matty Cash, Ezri Konza, Victor Lindelof, Ian Maatsen (Lucas Digne 82), Boubacar Kamara (Lamare Bogarde 90+1), Amadou Onana (Evann Guessand 83), John McGinn (Emiliano Buendia 83), Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins (Donyell Malen 82).
Subs not used: Marco Bizot, Andres Garcia, George Hemmings, Leon Routh.
Booked: Lamare Bogarde (90+2)
Sent off: None
Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Leny Yoro (Shea Lacey 84), Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte (Jack Fletcher 74), Bruno Fernandes (Lisandro Martinez 46), Patrick Dorgu, Mattheus Cunha, Mason Mount, Benjamin Sesko (Joshua Zirkzee 74).
Subs not used: Altay Bayinder, Tyrell Malacia, Tom Heaton, Tyler Fredricson, Bendito Mantato.
Booked: Manuel Ugarte (69),
Sent off: None
Referee: Michael Oliver.
Attendance: 43,157.
Simply Red Man of the Match:
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