On Boxing Day, anything can happen, and Manchester United looking down the barrel of their worst month in the clubs history in terms of defeats, this couldn’t have really been a much worse opponent. However, United produced some late drama that reminded us that the essence of United remains within the side, as they picked up a much needed win to make it just their second in December out of the 7 games played. Still a long way to go, but signs of optimism maybe?

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Teams

Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Evans, Varane, Wan-Bissaka, Eriksen (Gore 90′), Mainoo (McTominay 81′), Rashford (Antony 80′), Fernandes, Garnacho (Mejbri 90′), Hojlund (Kambwala 89′)

Subs: Bayindir, Reguilon, Van de Beek, Pellistri

Aston Villa: Martinez, Digne (Moreno 50′), Lenglet, Carlos, Konsa, Luiz, Dendoncker (Iroegbynam 86′), Ramsey (Diaby 77′), McGinn (Duran 86′), Bailey (Zaniolo 77′), Watkins

Subs: Marschall, Proctor, Chambers, Torres

Manchester United 3-2 Aston Villa

Manchester United produced a dramatic Boxing Day comeback to edge Aston Villa 3–2 in a thrilling contest at Old Trafford. Villa struck twice in quick succession before the break, capitalising on United’s sluggish start. John McGinn’s whipped free-kick evaded everyone and nestled into the far corner, before Leander Dendoncker hooked in a clever finish from a set-piece to leave the home crowd stunned. United looked disjointed and short on ideas in the first half, with Villa controlling the tempo and appearing well on their way to a famous away win.

The game flipped after the interval. United returned with renewed urgency, pressing higher and moving the ball with far more purpose. Alejandro Garnacho halved the deficit with a composed finish after latching onto a loose ball inside the box, igniting both the crowd and his teammates. The Argentine winger struck again soon after, timing his run perfectly to meet Bruno Fernandes’ through ball and slipping his effort past Emiliano Martínez to level the match. Suddenly, Villa were the side hanging on.

The winner came from Rasmus Højlund, who had been searching for his first Premier League goal and chose the perfect moment to find it. A corner dropped kindly to the Dane, who swivelled sharply and guided a low shot into the bottom corner, sending Old Trafford into raptures. Villa pushed for an equaliser late on, but United held firm to complete a stirring comeback. It was a chaotic, breathless Boxing Day battle, one that reminded everyone why this festive fixture list is so adored.

Talking Points

A key talking point from the match was Manchester United’s transformation after what had been a flat and error-strewn first half. Erik ten Hag’s side looked disorganised defending set-pieces, with both Villa goals coming from dead-ball situations that United failed to deal with. The lack of cohesion and intensity in those opening 45 minutes once again raised questions about United’s inconsistency and why they so often need adversity to spark them into life. Still, the halftime reset was immediate and obvious, showing how much of their struggles stem from mentality rather than structure alone.

Another major storyline was the performance of Alejandro Garnacho, who delivered one of his most influential outings in a United shirt. His brace not only dragged United back into the contest but also showcased the confidence and maturity he’s been developing all season. The timing of his runs, his composure in front of goal, and the lift he gave Old Trafford underlined why he’s becoming such a key figure in the team’s attacking identity. For a side that can sometimes lack unpredictability, Garnacho provided exactly that.

Lastly, Rasmus Højlund’s long-awaited first Premier League goal was a significant moment, for him, for the team, and for the narrative surrounding his adaptation to English football. The relief and emotion were clear as he wheeled away after scoring the winner, and his sharp finish showed the instincts United believe will turn him into a long-term No. 9. His breakthrough could prove pivotal for his confidence heading into the second half of the campaign. Combined with the comeback itself, it felt like a night that could shift momentum back in United’s favour after a turbulent spell.