Manchester United came into this game against Aston Villa filled with confidence, after recent wins in the FA Cup, and in the past 2 outings being dominant in a win over Wolves and West Ham. With the goals coming more frequently, several key players returning to form and fitness and optimism off-field growing, United have dragged themselves back into contention for genuine contention for Champions League places, while a FA Cup run is not out of the question.

The same can’t be said about the opposition however, as the midweek surprising defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup replay has added doubt to Villa’s successful first half of the season. With Unai Emery building a strong cohesive side capable of playing some fantastic football, they have been the ultimate up and down side in January. Draws against Everton and Chelsea (FA Cup), along with big losses against Newcastle and Chelsea (FA Cup replay) were countered by a hammering of Sheffield United, putting them in a position of question given their superb start to the campaign. Given the questions being asked of Villa, coming up against a United side building in confidence gave them a chance to redeem themselves in the eyes of many.

Back with United, they had only one main concern coming into this one, that being the injury to Lisandro Martinez. United have enjoyed a quiet week without scandal, headlines or negative stories, and although the injury is a huge blow to Ten Hag’s side, they could still field one of their strongest sides containing the in-form youngsters of Mainoo, Garnacho and Hojlund alongside experience heads in Fernandes, Casemiro and Varane.

With this game culminating the weekend’s action on Sunday afternoon, the game…

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Teams

Manchester United went into this game with the expected strongest line-up available to Ten Hag, the only change from their last time out being Varane coming in for Martinez. The Argentine looks to be out for a prolonged period once again, and given the week gap between matches, Ten Hag will need to be reliant on the availability of Varane to feature heavily in the culmination of this campaign.

The continued trust shown in Mainoo is a great sign for United fans to see, and given their calmer fixture schedule than this time last year, the ability to give experience to the talented teenager without being overplayed is promising. Garnacho continues to also be trusted on the right hand side where he has found recent success, and with big money signing Antony, exciting youngsters Amad and Forson forced to sit on the bench in the meantime, the United front 3 looks promising as a prospect for many years to come.

Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Carlos, Lenglet, Moreno, Kamara, Luiz, Bailey, Ramsey, McGinn, Watkins

Subs: Olsen, Digne, Torres, Kesler-Hayden, Tielemans, Iroegbunam, Diaby, Zaniolo, Rogers

Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Shaw, Mainoo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund

Subs: Bayindir, Lindelof, Evans, Amrabat, Eriksen, McTominay, Forson, Amad, Antony

Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United

On a chilly afternoon at Villa Park, Manchester United struck first when Rasmus Højlund tapped home a close-range finish in the 17th minute, capitalising on a headed assist from Harry Maguire from a corner. That early goal gave United the advantage, though the hosts weren’t phased. Despite United’s resolute defending and goalkeeper André Onana producing a few important saves, Villa held over 55% possession and gradually grew into the game.

Villa’s persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Douglas Luiz smashed in a rebound from a corner, after Onana parried the first effort, restoring parity and sending Villa Park buzzing with belief. The hosts pressed hard after the equaliser, with several chances coming from wing play and midfield, but they just couldn’t find that decisive second.

As the clock ticked into the final ten minutes, United turned to the bench, and their gamble paid off. Scott McTominay came on and in the 86th minute rose highest to meet a delicious cross from Diogo Dalot, powering a header past Villa keeper Emiliano Martínez to snatch all three points. The late strike left Villa reeling and United celebrating a hard-fought, nervy but vital win.

Talking Points

Manchester United continued their push for European football with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Red Devils started strongly, taking an early lead through Rasmus Højlund before Villa fought back to equalise. With the Premier League race tightening, every point matters, and this victory keeps United firmly in contention for a top-four finish as the season enters its crucial final months.

The defining moment came late in the game, when substitute Scott McTominay powered home a header from Diogo Dalot’s precise cross in the 86th minute. The dramatic winner capped off a tense contest, rewarding United’s persistence and tactical patience. Villa had their moments, but United’s composure under pressure ensured they left Birmingham with all three points.

The win also extended United’s unbeaten run in 2024, highlighting their growing consistency under Erik ten Hag. With each match, the squad’s confidence seems to rise, blending experienced campaigners and exciting young talents. Maintaining this momentum will be key as they continue their European push and aim to finish the season strongly in the league.