After a breathless clash with Bournemouth on Monday night, a Sunday evening clash at Villa Park put United to the test. With their hosts on a 9 game winning run, there was a strong showing from the visitors, however due to defensive lapses, some concerning injuries and a make-shift XI on the pitch at times, they left the Midlands with no more points on the board as they yet again seem reluctant to capitalise on dropped points elsewhere.

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Teams

Aston Villa: Martinez, Maatsen (Digne 75′), Lindelof, Konsa, Cash, Onana (Buendia 84′), Kamara (Bogarde 88′), Rogers, Tielemans, McGinn (Guessand 84′), Watkins (Malen 75′)

Subs: Bizot, Garcia, Routh, Hemmings

Manchester United: Lammens, Shaw, Heaven, Yoro (Lacey 84′), Dorgu, Ugarte (Fletcher 73′), Fernandes (Martinez 46′), Dalot, Mount, Cunha, Sesko (Zirkzee 73′)

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Fredricson, Malacia, Mantato

Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United

Aston Villa signed off before Christmas with a deserved 2–1 victory over Manchester United at Villa Park on Sunday 21 December 2025, continuing their impressive Premier League form. The home side were the sharper team in the first half and took the lead just before the break through Morgan Rogers, who produced a moment of real quality by cutting inside and curling a superb finish beyond the United goalkeeper. United responded quickly, though, as Matheus Cunha struck in stoppage time to level the contest and ensure a tense second half lay ahead.

After the restart, the match settled into a competitive rhythm, with United enjoying spells of possession while Villa remained organised and dangerous on the counter. The decisive moment arrived shortly after the hour when Rogers struck again, showing composure inside the box to fire Villa back in front and underline his growing influence in Unai Emery’s side. The goal lifted the atmosphere inside Villa Park and shifted the momentum firmly back towards the hosts.

United pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages, committing numbers forward and testing Villa’s resolve, but the home side defended with discipline and maturity to see the game out. The final whistle was met with loud approval from the stands as Villa claimed another statement win, while United were left to reflect on missed opportunities. It was a night that belonged to Rogers and a Villa team full of confidence heading into the festive period.

Talking Points

Manchester United once again left the pitch wondering how they came away empty-handed after a performance that contained plenty of encouragement. For long spells at Villa Park they matched Aston Villa stride for stride, moving the ball well and showing far more intensity than recent results might suggest. Chances came and went, though, and that familiar lack of cutting edge at key moments proved costly as another promising display ended without points, a frustrating pattern that continues to hang over their season.

The mood was further dampened by concern over Bruno Fernandes, who was forced off injured and immediately became the focus of worried glances on the United bench. The captain’s influence was sorely missed after his departure, with his energy and creativity difficult to replace during Villa’s strongest spell. With a packed festive schedule ahead, the extent of the injury will be anxiously awaited, knowing just how central Fernandes is to United’s attacking rhythm and leadership.

One positive note on a tough evening came from Ruben Amorim’s willingness to trust youth, handing valuable minutes to several young players as the game wore on. While the result didn’t go United’s way, those cameos offered a glimpse of a longer-term vision, with energy and fearlessness injected late in the contest. It may not ease the pain of another defeat, but the experience gained could yet pay dividends as Amorim continues to shape his side amid challenging circumstances.