{"id":18146,"date":"2025-12-22T03:45:59","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T03:45:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/22\/gary-neville-stunned-by-manchester-united-stars-no-excuses-moment-in-defeat-to-aston-villa\/"},"modified":"2025-12-22T03:45:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T03:45:59","slug":"gary-neville-stunned-by-manchester-united-stars-no-excuses-moment-in-defeat-to-aston-villa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/22\/gary-neville-stunned-by-manchester-united-stars-no-excuses-moment-in-defeat-to-aston-villa\/","title":{"rendered":"Gary Neville stunned by Manchester United star’s ‘no excuses’ moment in defeat to Aston Villa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Gary Neville can’t hide his disbelief after Matheus Cunha missed a brilliant chance to save Manchester United against Aston Villa<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/span>Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha is picked up by his team-mates after missing a narrow chance against Aston Villa<\/span>(Image: Ben STANSALL\/AFP, Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes there is “no excuse” for Matheus Cunha who missed a second-half header from close range against Aston Villa – his second chance to equalize in the game.<\/p>\n
Moments after Morgan Rodgers had given Villa the lead, Cunha had already scored an equalizer just before half-time. However, United were unable to respond to the hosts and the Englishman was able to regain a 2-1 lead with 32 minutes remaining.<\/p>\n
Moments later, United’s number 10 was given another chance to equalize for the second time. There was enough space in the six-yard box that Cunha misdirected his header into the ground, but it bounced off target.<\/p>\n
read more: Ruben Amorim worries about Bruno Fernandes injury update, worsening Manchester United’s woes<\/span><\/span>read more: Nemanja Matic says which of the four Manchester United managers should spend more time at Old Trafford<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
“Oh my god,” Neville reacted during commentary on Sky Sports, adding: “You’d have to go a long way to see a worse mistake than this.”<\/p>\n
“(It) had to be a goal. It was a really great pass from (Mason) Mount and a great cross from (Patrick) Dorg on the plate.”<\/p>\n
“He has no excuses, Cunha, he has to score.”<\/p>\n
The Brazilian looked devastated at not taking advantage of his chances and lay face down on the pitch until teammates came to wake him up, both physically and figuratively.<\/p>\n
After his mistake, United were unable to complete a comeback in the remaining minutes, missing out on a chance to level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea following their stumble against Newcastle United more than 24 hours earlier.<\/p>\n
Commenting at full time, Roy Keane said: “This is where football drives people crazy.<\/p>\n
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\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/span>Ruben Amorim reacts to Man United’s defeat at Villa Park.<\/span>(Image: Neil Simpson\/All Star, Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
“It was a really great shot. As soon as it left his feet you would think it was a goal, but there’s no logic to it. We can’t explain it either.<\/p>\n
“He said it’s easier than a penalty here. He has five or six yards. Maybe only the players can explain that. Did he lose concentration with the ball going to his head?”<\/p>\n
“Sometimes it’s too easy for the players. If it’s on target, it’s a goal. It’s another big moment for United.”<\/p>\n
United had more problems before the half-time break when captain Bruno Fernandes felt apparent discomfort in his hamstring. The midfielder was eventually replaced by Lisandro Martinez.<\/p>\n
Amorim has since stated that he will wait for a full analysis of the matter, but has already confirmed that he does not intend to participate in the January transfer window as a means of resolving long-term issues.<\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"BIRMINGHAM,](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36438290.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Aston-Villa-v-Manchester-United-Premier-League.jpg\")
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