Aston Villa vs Manchester United Summary
Once again, United come back to beat Aston Villa 1-3 away from home. After a good goal from Bertrand Traore in the first half, United regrouped and a quickfire salvo from Fernandes and Greenwood got United into the lead. Cavani’s 9th league goal sealed the win late on and United keep City’s title parade waiting. What’s more is following West Ham’s loss to Everton, the win at Villa Park guaranteed United a Top Four finish. This is the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired that any United boss accomplished back-to-back Top Four finishes. Not a success by United’s standards but certainly a sign of progress!
Right now United will be fixed on their busy four days and with Leicester tomorrow and Liverpool on Thursday, United will hope to come out unscathed as a loss at home to Leicester would secure City the title. I think the squad will be heavily rotated tomorrow and Ole will strengthen against Liverpool. It will be a huge test for the manager and the team as to how this difficult week is managed. I would be truly surprised if United get three wins from three but stranger things have happened and both Leicester and Liverpool are in poor form.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Player Ratings
Dean Henderson 7.5/10
Made a good save at the end of the first half and an even better one at 2-1. Quick off his line, good in possession and a smart decision to pull out of a challenge with Watkins late on.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 9/10
Brilliant at both ends. With the competition for Euro spots at right back, Wan-Bissaka is impressing at the right time and in the right areas. A perfect pass into Pogba for the penalty and a sharp assist to Greenwood. He played a part in United’s first two goals and saved them one with a superb block to stop Watkins. I’d take him to the Euros in a heartbeat and Southgate is a fool if he doesn’t.
Victor Lindelof 5/10
Normally a composed defender and excellent one-on-one but got spun by Traore and then couldn’t stop the chance. He then struggled with Davis’ run and Wan-Bissaka had to bail him out. Nervous game but I can see him playing well against Leicester.
Harry Maguire 8/10
Solid as a rock which makes his injury all the more worrying. I hope he can recover for the Liverpool game but we will see. No point rushing him back if we have secured top four and can all but ensure a top four finish with a win over Leicester.
Luke Shaw 7.5/10
Great linkup play in attack and did his defensive duties well. Crosses weren’t on the money but mostly due to the lack of players in the box.
Fred 6/10
Sloppy pass to McTominay for the Villa goal but played well in the second half. Needs to switch on earlier in matches as Leicester and Liverpool press hard and will expose his weaknesses.
Scott McTominay 7/10
Not his fault for giving the ball away and did link up well in the second half. I think his long passing needs to improve but other than that, it was a good game for McTominay.
Paul Pogba 7.5/10
Won the penalty with good movement and strength. Played well in general and unlucky not to score.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
Calm penalty and some good linkup. Couldn’t get the ball out of his feet for an early chance but I expect he will be rested tomorrow.
Mason Greenwood 8/10
Had a couple of chances but his goal was excellent and the turn was equally class. Has to go to the Euros for me. His end to the season has been top-drawer!
Marcus Rashford 7.5/10
Great assist and good linkup. Still looks very injured and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him off the bench tomorrow. Couple of sighters but not quite the right chances.
Substitutes:
Edinson Cavani 8/10
Stunning header and great interplay when he came on. So glad he’s signed a new deal. He has broken that number 7 curse.
Eric Bailly 7/10
Solid when he came on. Passing was a bit off but defended well.
Nemanja Matic 7/10
Played well and passed with purpose and sharpness.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 8/10
I think he went strong to seal off top four and that was crucial. Even when we went a goal down, I did think we would pull it back and United did and did it well. As per usual! Made two crucial subs and sealed the game with both. Cavani with a goal and Matic, who secured the midfield. I think Ole has to be careful as a loss to Leicester would give City the title but he has to prepare for the Liverpool game which he will want his strongest side for. I can see maybe Telles, Tuanzebe, Donny and Matic starting and resting a few at half time/after an hour if things are going well. No doubt this week will be tricky but Ole has enough tactical nous to see us through and prepare for a big final in two weeks’ time.
