Premier League: Man United move closer to Champions League places
Aston Villa 1 - 2 Manchester United
Manchester United gained a valuable 2-1 away win at Aston Villa to earn a long-awaited victory away against top-nine opposition.
The Red Devils started the match at Villa Park, hoping to extend their recent game streak across all competitions.
More Premier League news here: Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Villa made a good start to the game and looked to keep possession of the ball for long spells to draw Manchester United onto them. However, the visitors had other plans as they sat back and looked to hit on the counter. Rasmus Hojlund gave them the perfect start as he fired the Red Devils 1-0 up after 17 minutes following an assist by Harry Maguire.
United had 42% of the ball in the first half and attempted seven shots, but hit the target just once for Hojlund’s goal. Villa had 10 attempts with three on target but neither side managed to alter the scoreline as the visitors led 1-0 at the break.
Unfortunately for Ten Hag's side, United suffered another injury. Ahead of the second half, Victor Lindelof came on for Luke Shaw. who was forced with an injury.
Aston Villa made a better start to the second half as they desperately looked for a way back into the contest. Two minutes into the half, Watkins surged into the centre of the box, taking a snapshot that Onana was able to push away from danger. United would need to tighten up at the back to prevent the home side from levelling the scoreline.
Douglas Luiz then handed them a lifeline as he scored in the 67th minute to make it 1-1. The hosts had more of the ball in the second half as well but missed way too many chances.
Diogo Dalot provided the perfect cross into the box and Scott McTominay rose highest to nod it home after 86 minutes. Ten Hag then made a couple of defensive changes at the death as Manchester United did well to hold onto their lead and secure the win.
Super Scott wins it for United
✨ Super Sub ✨
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 12, 2024
No-one has scored more goals off the bench this season than Scott McTominay for Manchester United 🤌 pic.twitter.com/pdbQTB2pqB
Maguire and Dalot star for Manchester United
Dalot had a great game and even provided the assist for Manchester United’s late winner. He won three duels, making five clearances, two blocks, two tackles and two interceptions. He wasn't the only United defender who provided an assist.
Maguire was also superb in defence and set up Hojlund for his team’s opening goal. He won a remarkable eleven of his twelve duels, making five clearances and four tackles. He also played one key pass.
Villa fans give their reaction
Frances Bentley, an Aston Villa fan, told us: "Yesterday was a bit of a challenge. However, it was a much better performance. It was certainly an improvement from the Chelsea defeat in the FA Cup. We're still holding onto fifth place in the League, just a point behind Spurs in fourth. And let's not forget, this is the best performance we've seen at Villa Park in a generation."
More Aston Villa news and stories can be found: View from the Holte End: Villa news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Lana, another Villa, added: "We've got a couple of matches on the horizon that we should fancy our chances in. Sure, teams like Spurs and Manchester United might have similar opportunities, but at the end of the day, we all need to clinch those wins. I reckon having this week to regroup and get things sorted will do us some good."
