Yet again, Man United found themselves trailing and then executed a thrilling comeback win, to no one’s surprise really – thanks to second-half strikes from Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood. United win again at Villa Park, making top 4 finish in the EPL a formality now.
Villa got the breakthrough with a brilliant finish from their left flank. A brilliant volley from the right angle, but the goalscoring opportunity was the result of sluggish defending in tight space. It’s never a good idea to blame one or two players in particular, however, it’s clear we do sometimes find ourselves losing possession dangerously outside our penalty area amidst high press from the opponent.
Although it’s great that Man United won the game, the pattern of conceding first should be addressed.
United started the second half with high intensity as expected and soon was rewarded with the opportunity to go level after the defender fouled Paul Pogba inside the box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to absolutely no one’s surprise and scored from the spot again to absolutely no one’s surprise.
After levelling the score United continued with intensity and kept control outside the opposition box. In this situation, it makes sense to exploit the slowness of the defending team. On the right flank, Aaron Wan Bissaka chose the riskier of the two options available to him. Instead of passing to Bruno, he slid it perfectly through two defenders towards incoming Greenwood’s path, who turned swiftly to send Tyron Ming back home. Mings though was never the same after Ibrahimovic.
A great finish by Starboy / Gunman! What a player! Goalkeeper tried to deflect his low drive away but too late! 2-1 to United and yet another comeback on the cards.
Greenwood found himself in a controversial moment after the ball hit his hand inside the United box from a Villa corner. The referee and VAR decision was no penalty, but a penalty decision would not be deemed wrong either.
Edinson Cavani proving again how United have missed a genuine striker. Dr. Rashford sent a vicious cross from the right flank, one of his trademark crosses – the powerful, swinging ones if they stay low enough can meet his United teammate, it’s bad news for the opposition. Anybody would just admire how Cavani executed his predatory run and glanced a header to the net right in front of Villa defenders. Brilliant, brilliant goal.
And that was game over for Aston Villa. After Cavani’s goal, United maintained possession very well. Villa withdrew further from the game as Watkins saw red for diving.
The bad news for United is Harry Maguire suffered an ankle injury. It needs to be seen how long he stays out. One of the most important players for United, everyone will be hoping it’s just a minor one and he will be back for the Europa League final against Villareal.
This win keeps United in second place and the title race alive, only theoretically. Criminally, United are forced to play 3 games in 5 days. It’s very important to win the first one.
The bottom line – United just got to keep it up. The players showed great confidence and character with their overall team play. This team’s only getting better. To maintain consistency it’s vital to keep the best players at the club.
Next match is Leicester at home on Tuesday, May 11.
Keep the red flag flying high!
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