Pranav Kannan
Manchester United took a trip to Villa Park as they looked to continue their good form and climb up the Premier League table. Considering what happened the last time the two sides met, this clash was highly anticipated.
Erik ten Hag’s side’s resurgence started during the comeback win against Aston Villa the first time these two sides met at Old Trafford. The Red Devils secured a sensational 3-2 win in Fergie time, with Rasmus Hojlund getting his name on the scoresheet for the first ever time in the league.
The Danish striker has since scored in every single league game he has played. Alejandro Garnacho’s shift to the right wing has brought the best out of him. Marcus Rashford slowly yet surely seems to be getting back to his best. The midfield looks more assured than ever with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro manning it.
Erik ten Hag lined up with his best possible line-up at the moment. If it ain’t broken, why fix it? The spotlight was on Maguire who had a very dicey game last time around and would have wanted to silence his critics.
Manchester United started off the game in tremendous fashion and deservedly got their lead within the first 20 minutes of the game. Villa did grow into the game though and were perhaps unlucky not to score by halftime.
Unai Emery’s side started off the second half in a similar fashion and looked much better than the visitors. Deservedly, they got the lead through Douglas Luiz. Villa continued to attack but were wasteful. United managed to take the lead against the run of play through Scott McTominay. United will feel lucky to come out with three points today.
Here are WAFU’s ratings of Manchester United players in the game against Aston Villa
Andre Onana: 7
Came off the line well and saved McGinn’s rocket. Soon after, he denied Ollie Watkins. Made a great save to deny Lenglet but conceded seconds later. To be fair to him, he could not have done much. Needs to learn when to come forward and claim the ball to help out his defence. A very mixed performance.
Diogo Dalot: 8.5 *
Terrific recovery challenge early on in the game to stop Jacob Ramsey in his tracks. Some of his forward runs and deliveries into the box were “prime Dani Alves” quality. Had trouble dealing with Ramsey’s inverted runs though. Made so many last-ditch recoveries. His exceptional crossing paid off when he perfectly found Scott McTominay’s head for United’s second goal.
Raphael Varane: 7
Did not track Jacob Ramsey as well as he should have throughout the game. Made an important block to deny Douglas Luiz for the second time in the game. Was easily the best defender on the pitch, along with Dalot.
Harry Maguire: 7
Looked very threatening in attacking pieces and assisted Hojlund for the first goal. Could have and should have done better in the build-up to Luiz’s goal. Was run ragged by Ollie Watkins throughout the game. Solid if not spectacular.
Luke Shaw: 6
Excellent defending late in the first half. Hooked off at half-time. Man United fans will be fearing the worst.
Kobbie Mainoo: 7
Got booked for a tactical foul in the first half. Kept things simple when he got the ball. Defensively, could have positioned himself much better throughout the game. Good feet to ensure he didn’t lose the ball in the build-up to McTominay’s goal. Taken off in the closing stages.
Casemiro: 6
Got booked in the first half more out of ‘reputation’ rather than ‘merit’. Horrendous decision. Should have taken control of the midfield much better than he did in the first half. Not the best performance from the Brazilian superstar.
Alejandro Garnacho: 7
Tried to square a ball unselfishly and almost scored a banger with his weak foot. Made a few good runs but lacked the end product. Almost scored a solo run golazo that would have put United ahead. Kept trying but to no avail.
Bruno Fernandes: 2
Bruno needs to control the game much better than he seemed to be. The Portuguese maestro seems a few paces off it and his decision-making left a lot to be desired.
Marcus Rashford: 3
Hardly involved for much of the game. Woke up now and then with a moment of brilliance or two but it did not result in anything. Taken off, rightfully, for Scott McTominay.
Rasmus Hojlund: 7.5
Came so close to opening the account in the early minutes. Continued his good form by finding the back of the net from a Maguire header. Pretty much been anonymous ever since in a performance that was reminiscent of his early Man United days. Taken off in the closing stages.
Substitutes:
Victor Lindelof: 5
Came on half-time for Luke Shaw and filled in at left-back. Did not look assured defensively and offered nothing offensively.
Scott McTominay: 8
Came on for Marcus Rashford. Scott ‘super-sub’ McTominay found the back of the net (yet again) thanks to an excellent cross from Diogo Dalot. Clutch!
Sofyan Amrabat: N/A
Came on the final minutes.
Jonny Evans: N/A
Came on the final minutes.
