Manchester United were well-beaten in Unai Emery’s first game in charge. Aston Villa ran out 3-1 winners at Villa Park, putting an end to United’s impressive form. Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne put the hosts 2-0 up early on before Luke Shaw’s deflected strike halved the deficit, however Jacob Ramsey secured the win with a fine finish in the second half.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Match Summary:
Erik ten Hag made just one change to the team from the midweek clash against Real Sociedad with Marcus Rashford coming in for the suspended Bruno Fernandes. Aston Villa began the game brightly as expected considering it was the first match of Emery’s reign. The home side took the lead through Bailey following some impressive work from Ollie Watkins.
Watkins brushed Victor Lindelof aside on multiple occasions and then Bailey exploited the space left behind by the Swedish international. Bailey found the bottom corner with ease, although there is an argument that David de Gea could have perhaps done more to prevent the goal. Before the Red Devils had settled into the game, they found themselves 2-0 down.
This time de Gea was merely a spectator, as Digne’s brilliant free kick found the back of the net. The Reds did improve and began to stomp their authority on the game, but still looked vulnerable in counter transitions. Cristiano Ronaldo and Alejandro Garnacho both tested Martinez before Shaw’s effort deflected off Ramsey into the top corner.
Just as United began creating more clear-cut opportunities in the second half, they found themselves 3-1 down. Lindelof was at fault this again with Watkins getting the better of him. The Englishman found the un-marked Ramsey, who fired into the top-corner.
Villa Park erupted and United were stunned. Ten Hag’s men tried to get themselves back into the game but didn’t test Martinez enough. The final whistle went and the Reds must now pick themselves up before the face Villa again on Thursday in the Carabao cup.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea 5/10
Beaten three times and could have perhaps done better for Bailey’s goal. Didn’t have much work to do for the rest of the match.
Diogo Dalot 5/10
Tried to bring some energy to United attacks in the first half with some direct runs but was wasteful in the final third. Wasn’t at best and in need of a rest. Should have shot instead of cutting it back to no-one in the second half. Suspended for the game against Fulham.
Victor Lindelof 2/10
Bullied from the first minute by Watkins. At fault for two goals and simply didn’t have the pace or strength to cope with the Villa frontline. Extremely poor and should have been replaced by Maguire at halftime. Simply can’t start against Fulham or Mitrovic will do the same to him.
Lisandro Martinez 6/10
Perhaps his most shaky game, but still a decent performance. Bailed Lindelof out on multiple occasions and wasn’t at fault for any of the goals. Aggressively won the ball back and searched for players in space with long-diagonals. Perhaps lucky to not be sent off.
Luke Shaw 4/10
A poor performance considering his form in recent weeks. Didn’t win his duels and was wasteful on the ball. Gave away the free-kick, which the hosts scored from and was replaced by Malacia in the second half.
Casemiro 6/10
Like Martinez, he is one of the only players who can come away from this game with some credit. Made crucial tackles and interceptions and was positive in possession. The misfiring frontline did him no favours.
Christian Eriksen 4/10
Another poor game from the Dane. Looked threatening when he had the ball at his feet but was wasteful for the majority. Lost possession and was nowhere to be seen for Ramsey’s goal. Needs a rest and should be replaced by Fred at the weekend.
Marcus Rashford 4/10
Not effective on the right-hand side at all. Had no joy whatsoever and was moved to the left too late in the game. Will likely move back to the left when Sancho and Antony return.
Donny van de Beek 3/10
Perhaps his last chance to impress. Was given a golden opportunity to work his way into ten Hag’s plans and didn’t take it. Anonymous and passive. Didn’t add anything to the team. A really disappointing performance from the Dutchman.
Alejandro Garnacho 6/10
Lively and a threat throughout. Tested Martinez and played a role in the first goal. United’s best attacker for the second game in a row. Another promising performance from the Argentine.
Cristiano Ronaldo 3/10
Last season Ronaldo didn’t add anything to the build up play, but added goals. This season he has added nothing. Missed a great opportunity to get United back in the game.
Subs
Tyrell Malacia 5/10
Replaced Shaw and had little work to do defensively.
Anthony Elanga 5/10
Looked energetic.
Anthony Martial 5/10
Didn’t impact the game from the number ten position.
Manager: Erik ten Hag 4/10
Picked the wrong team although he was limited by injuries and suspensions. Fred should have started over van de Beek and Rashford was ineffective on the right. Should have made changes sooner and Lindelof should have been hooked at halftime.
