Manchester United suffered their second Premier League defeat since September as Ruben Amorim’s side lost 2-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday.
Villa took the lead in the 45th minute when Morgan Rodgers cut in from the left and fired an unstoppable shot past Senne Lamence. However, after Matty Cash was stripped, summer signing Matheus Cunha beat Emi Martínez from a narrow angle and the visitors equalized just before half-time.
Bruno Fernandes was forced off injured at half-time, but Rodgers scored his second goal to restore the lead just before the hour mark. United pushed forward for another point but could not get a second equalizer as they missed the chance to move up to fifth in the Premier League.
Express Sport rates and predicts United players…
Manchester United player rating (3-4-2-1)
Senne Ramens: 7
He was called into action multiple times and had a busy afternoon. He made an excellent double save early on after giving the ball to Manuel Ugarte, but could do nothing about Rodgers’ two goals.
Yoro Lenny: 4
He let Rodgers take the lead too easily and refused to contain the England international in the box when United fell behind for the second time. He needs to be more aggressive to prove his authority in the game. They struggled with the presence of Ollie Watkins and were bailed out by Aiden Heaven on numerous occasions.
Aiden Heaven: 7
He was a rock for much of the match as he made some decisive blocks early on to deny him a goal and reacted well against Watkins. It could have been a blow for United if he wasn’t on the pitch. He is mature beyond his years and looks to have a bright future ahead of him at Old Trafford.
Luke Shaw: 5
Although he has very high technical ability, he looked vulnerable against Villa’s attacking line. I didn’t have many opportunities to get forward, but I was lucky to have Heaven next to me on the other side of the pitch.
Diogo Dalot: 4
Returning to the right-wing, Amado represented Ivory Coast on international duty. He appears to be one of Amorim’s favorites, but was ineffective at both ends of the pitch. In front of Villa’s second goal, he was unable to stop Youri Tielemans’ cross into the box.
Manuel Ugarte: 5
They gave the ball away in a dangerous area within the first 10 minutes, but it was bailed out by the goalkeeper. Villa had a field day, being too slow at times, making too many safe passes and failing to protect United’s defence.
Bruno Fernandes: 7
As always, he was United’s chief creator and tried to show his leadership qualities by coaching his younger team-mates throughout the match. However, he was injured in the first half and had to leave the game.
Patrick Dorg: 5
Although he won the ball back from Cash before his team’s equalizing goal, he lacked the upper hand in the final third. He was sloppy with the ball at times and showed no urgency to cross into the box and aim for his team-mates.
Matheus Cunha: 7
He was always a nuisance, trying to make things happen in front of the goal. And he showed his quality with a great finish to bring his team level before the break. His other efforts in goal tested Martinez and will be important for United in the absence of Brian Mbeumo and Amad.
Mason mount: 5
I took off my socks and gave them a good press. However, he hasn’t contributed enough to United’s performances in front of goal. They had their chances after the break but need to provide more attacking threat.
Benjamin Sesco: 4
They had a chance midway through the first half, but it was denied by Martinez. Not clinical enough, not able to think quickly enough and not the answer in front of goal for the Red Devils. He was sent off with 20 minutes remaining after humiliating Villa centre-back Victor Lindelof, who was released by the Red Devils in the summer.
replacement
Lisandro Martinez: 6
He came on as a substitute at half-time to replace the injured Fernandes. However, he was not going to offer United as much as the Red Devils captain would do in midfield.
Joshua Zirksee: 5
The final 20 minutes of action were featured as the Red Devils looked to equalize but were unable to get the result.
Jack Fletcher: 6
The son of United icon Darren Fletcher was handed his first-team debut under difficult circumstances and held his own.
