Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United: Matheus Cunha’s equalizer and Morgan Rodgers’ superb brace ensured Unai Emery’s side won 10 in a row.
Morgan Rodgers was the star of the show as Aston Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 at Villa Park. The win means Unai Emery’s side have won 10 in a row, keeping them level with leaders Arsenal and Manchester City.
Just before halftime, Rodgers took the lead with a special hit. However, after receiving an early Christmas present from Matty Cash, it was quickly canceled by Mateus Cunha in rather fortuitous circumstances.
United were weakened by Bruno Fernandes coming off the bench with an injury, but Rodgers took the lead with his and Villa’s second goal just before the hour mark. Ruben Amorim’s toothless attack was unable to equalize, ending their four-game unbeaten streak.
Here are five topics to talk about at Villa Park.
read more: Bruno Fernandes’ bombshell statement about Man United release clause emerges just before match against Aston Villaread more: Nemanja Matic says which of the four Manchester United managers should spend more time at Old Trafford
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1. Mainu is out, but the T-shirt storm cannot be overcome.
With Casemiro suspended, there was a good chance that Koby Mainu could finally start the first Premier League game of the season. However, once the team news was confirmed, the 20-year-old’s absence was noticeable.
As it turns out, Mainu injured his calf during Saturday’s training, but it wasn’t some kind of punishment by Amorim. Mainu’s half-brother sparked a storm this week after he wore a T-shirt that read ‘Free Coby Mainu’ during Monday’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
Asked whether Mainu would have started had he been available, Amorim told Sky Sports before the match: “I don’t want to say it. It’s not just the fault of the players who are playing tonight. It’s easy to say now… he knows, that’s enough.”
2. Rogers Extends Purple Patch
Who else would score the first goal? Rodgers has scored six goals in his last six league games since the November international break.
His sweet efforts to break the deadlock against the flow of the match were also noteworthy. Collecting the ball on the left, Rodgers slipped inside to meet Lenny Yoro before firing a curling shot into the top right corner of Senne Lamence.
United’s goalkeeper didn’t move an inch. In Rodgers’ second, he defeated Yoro again, producing a similar, albeit less flashy, blow that Lamence had no chance of stopping.
It would take something unwelcome, or someone special, for Rodgers not to start for England at the World Cup. Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham were suspended from work.
Should Morgan Rogers start for England? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
3. Give United another gift for cash.
United probably owe Cash a Christmas card. In May, a weak backpass led to Emi Martinez’s sending off, changing the course of the teams’ last encounter, with the Red Devils winning 2-0.
This time the Polish international wandered around the ball and was caught by Patrick Dorg’s press. The ball fell gently to Cunha, who waved past Martinez for the first goal.
United, who dominated for part of the first half, equalized just three minutes after conceding a goal. However, there were concerns after Bruno Fernandes clutched his hamstring a number of times before the break.
4. Fernandes’ injury blow
It’s rare to see Fernandes nursing an injury, but even rarer to see him substituted due to an injury. However, United’s captain was sent off at half-time with a hamstring problem, leaving Lisandro Martinez to play in his place in an unconventional midfield role.
The Red Devils are less of a goal threat due to the forced changes, which is perhaps a sign of things to come. Fernandes’ long absence will be sorely missed, with Brian Mbeumo and Amad both competing in the African Cup of Nations, with the always busy festive period ahead.
5. Amorim releases two debut works
A lot has been said about the Red Devils’ academy in recent weeks, and much of that has been due to Amorim. However, the United manager put his faith in youth by first appointing Jack Fletcher, the son of former United star Darren.
Shortly after, there was another debut for the highly regarded Shay Lacy, who came on in the closing stages. However, his dream debut did not materialize as Villa saw out victory.
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