Manchester United returned to Old Trafford for their final game of an abysmal campaign as they hosted Aston Villa, a team battling for Champions League qualification, while United, fresh off their Europa League defeat, were just hoping not to finish 17th. Had United fans had a choice, they would have likely skipped this game, however it felt like a moment to write-off this season with a clear marker that change was needed and improvements are non-negotiable to avoid anything like what we’ve seen this season.

The game showed United a level rarely seen this campaign, as they played with a freedom that we haven’t seen during this turbulent spell. Their attacks looked impressive and sharp, the players wanted to get on the ball, and despite the gulf in quality between the two-sides’ seasons, United were the better team for large spells. As a result, United got to send off a few senior stars with a win, while the remaining squad went straight from Old Trafford to a post-season tour which we will discuss in the coming days.

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Teams

Manchester United made some big calls in the final game of the season, as changes were made notably by the absence of Andre Onana and Alejandro Garnacho, with the latter being told midweek that he was free to find another club. In the squad of players who featured in the game, there were send-offs for Evans, Lindelof and Eriksen who all confirmed they would be departing the club after decent spells. While many more might have also played their last minutes at Old Trafford, we wait to see how the summer will pan out for Ruben Amorim’s side.

For Aston Villa, they had to go all-out for their quest to secure Champions League football, and while the red card for Martinez caused some changes by bringing off Asensio who will likely now return to PSG after an impressive short spell. This red card for Martinez will likely be the end to his impressive Villa career, as there are huge expectations on the player departing the club this summer. They were also without Rashford due to his loan move blocking any potential clash, and also his injury keeping him out for the season. They were forced to call on their bench late on as they pushed to get back into the game at a late stage, but United’s more relaxed performance shone through.

Manchester United: Bayindir, Heaven (Evans 66′), Maguire, Lindelof, Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mazraoui (Dalot 20′ – Mainoo 46′), Mount (Eriksen 66′), Amad, Hojlund (Obi-Martin 81′)

Subs: Heaton, Fredricson, Ugarte, Collyer

Aston Villa: Martinez, Maatsen, Torres, Konsa, Cash, Onana (Ramsey 63′), Kamara (Barkley 84′), McGinn (Tielemans 62′), Asensio (Olsen 45′), Rogers (Malen 84′), Watkins

Subs: Garcia, Digne, Mings, Bailey

Manchester United 2-0 Aston Villa

Manchester United concluded a turbulent 2024–25 Premier League campaign with a 2–0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday. Goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen secured the win, offering a rare moment of solace in a season that saw United finish a disappointing 15th. For Villa, the defeat was particularly bitter, as it dashed their hopes of Champions League qualification, leaving them in sixth place and prompting frustration over a controversial refereeing decision.

The match’s pivotal moment occurred in the second-half when Villa’s Morgan Rogers appeared to have scored, only for referee Thomas Bramall to have already blown the whistle for a foul, preventing any VAR intervention. Replays suggested that United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir had not secured the ball, making the decision contentious. Adding to Villa’s woes, in the first-half, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was sent off for a reckless challenge on Rasmus Højlund following a poor back pass from Matty Cash. These incidents shifted momentum in United’s favour, allowing them to control the game against a ten-man Villa side.

United capitalised on their numerical advantage in the second half. Amad Diallo broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, heading in a cross from Bruno Fernandes. In the 87th minute, Diallo was fouled in the box, and Christian Eriksen converted the resulting penalty, marking a fitting end to his tenure at the club. Despite the victory, manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the season’s shortcomings, labelling it a “disaster” and expressing optimism for the future.

For Aston Villa, the loss had significant implications. Missing out on Champions League qualification not only affected their sporting ambitions but also had financial repercussions, with an estimated £100 million at stake. The club has lodged formal complaints regarding the officiating, and former striker Gabby Agbonlahor has publicly criticised the referee’s decision-making. Villa will now compete in the Europa League next season, a consolation that may feel insufficient given their aspirations.

Talking Points

Manchester United wrapped up their season with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, but it was a match defined by controversial moments and a rare glimpse of the Red Devils’ potential under the stewardship of Ruben Amorim. Villa felt hard done by after Morgan Rogers’ second-half strike was ruled out for a foul on United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, with replays suggesting minimal contact. That incident, coupled with Emiliano Martínez’s red card for a reckless challenge on Rasmus Højlund, left Villa furious and chasing shadows for much of the second half. Yet, it would be remiss to overlook the marked improvement in United’s performance. For the first time in weeks, their passing was sharp, the pressing coordinated, and the attack purposeful, with Amad Diallo’s header and Christian Eriksen’s late penalty ensuring a deserved win.

Ruben Amorim, in his post-match address, didn’t shy away from the reality of the season’s failings. Labelling the campaign “a disaster,” he struck a candid yet optimistic tone. Amorim praised his players for their response against Villa but acknowledged the broader shortcomings that left United marooned in mid-table. “Today showed a glimpse of what we can be, but this cannot hide the fact that we’ve underperformed. The responsibility is on me and the players to deliver a much stronger campaign next season,” he said. Amorim’s remarks reflected both his frustration and determination to reshape United’s identity after a season marred by inconsistency and off-field turbulence.

As the curtain fell on the 2024–25 season, Old Trafford bid farewell to three stalwarts in Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, and Victor Lindelöf. Evans, the veteran defender, leaves behind a legacy of resilience and loyalty, having returned for one last stint to help steady the ship. Eriksen’s penalty goal was a fitting parting shot, his composed finish in front of the Stretford End encapsulating his calm influence in a chaotic midfield. Lindelöf, meanwhile, exits as a quiet but dependable presence, whose contributions often went under the radar but were vital nonetheless. As United fans saluted these departures, the sense of a new era under Amorim felt both inevitable and necessary.