Sixth in the table Manchester United pressed from the start in the summit meeting with Aston Villa and got a reward after just over a quarter of an hour. Rasmus Højlund stayed ahead on a header from Harry Maguire on a corner. The Dane has now scored five goals in five straight league games.
The goal was followed by Aston Villa pressure. John McGinn had a heavy finish from distance and shortly afterwards Ollie Watkins was extremely close to scoring. André Onana parried both attempts.
The score was 1-0 at half-time and Victor Nilsson Lindelöf replaced Luke Shaw. The Swede had problems with Leon Bailey in his left-back position and is criticized for his performance.
– Lindelöf is a good centre-back, but he doesn’t have the speed to play on the wing, said Clinton Morrison, former Irish national team player, in the BBC.
“Lindelöf has been weak since coming in,” wrote Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz.
Shortly after the break, Watkins had another cannon chance, but the parade from Onana was sharper.
Shortly after the break, Watkins had another cannon chance, but the parade from Onana was sharper.
In the end, Aston Villa got a reward from the great Onana. Douglas Luiz raked in a cross, which was in the aftermath of a corner.
But it was Manchester United who got the last word. With five minutes left in regular time, Scott McTominay headed in 2-1 on a cross from Diogo Dalot, and it was the last goal of the match.
– It was an incredible post, to be honest, and it was hit with a lot of power. I just had to put my head down and get the ball on goal. All credit to the boys, we created a lot of good chances, which maybe won’t be noted, says Scott McTominay to Sky Sports according to the BBC.
Manchester United remain in sixth place and Aston Villa are fifth. Five points separate the teams.
Startelvor:
Aston Villa: Martinez – Cash, Diego Carlos, Lenglet, Moreno – McGinn, Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey – Bailey, Watkins.
Manchester United: Onana – Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Shaw – Casemiro, Mainoo – Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford – Højlund