Aston Villa kept their strong run going with a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Villa Park today. Morgan Rogers scored both goals for the home side. Matheus Cunha got United’s reply. It was a tough afternoon for Ruben Amorim’s team, who are dealing with injuries and absences.
The match started evenly. Villa took the lead through Rogers just before halftime. He finished well after good work from the midfield. United came out stronger in the second half.
Cunha equalised in stoppage time at the end of the first period, but wait, no. Actually, Cunha scored late to make it level, but Rogers grabbed his second at 57 minutes to put Villa back ahead. That proved the winner.
United had chances. Benjamin Sesko was up top with Cunha and Mason Mount supporting. Manuel Ugarte held the midfield alongside captain Bruno Fernandes. But Fernandes picked up an injury at halftime and had to come off. That forced changes.
Lisandro Martinez moved into midfield. Later on, young players got minutes. Eighteen-year-old Jack Fletcher came on, along with Shea Lacey. They almost found an equaliser in the final moments, but it stayed 2-1.
Amorim went with a youthful lineup in his usual 3-4-2-1 shape. Summer signings like Sesko and Ugarte started. Kobbie Mainoo missed out completely due to a calf injury he picked up in training yesterday.
Amorim said it should keep him out for a few weeks. That came after a lot of talk about Mainoo’s lack of starts this season. He hasn’t begun a Premier League game yet.
Before the match, Amorim had spoken about Mainoo needing to fight for his place. He pointed to past stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, who spent time on the bench early in their United careers.
Amorim said, “Kobbie needs to fight for his job. I think that is not a bad thing to be on the bench of Manchester United at 20 years old. I remember Ronaldo was on the bench, Rooney was on the bench sometimes, and Veron was not playing.” He stressed no one fell away because of that. It was about earning the spot.
There had been noise around Mainoo recently. His half-brother wore a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt at the Bournemouth game last week. Reports say Mainoo is frustrated with minutes and might look for a move in January. But the calf issue sidelined him today anyway.
United were missing several players. Casemiro suspended. Others like Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo at the Africa Cup of Nations. Defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are still out. Amorim had to call up academy kids for the bench, including Tyler Fredricson and Bendito Mantato.
Villa are on a hot streak, winning ten in a row now across all competitions. Unai Emery’s side look solid in the title race. For United, it’s another setback. They stay in seventh. The Fernandes injury adds to worries. Amorim said after the game they can’t panic buy in January. They have to cope.
Young debuts gave some positives. Jack Fletcher, son of former player Darren, got his first minutes. Lacey too. Amorim called it good news amid the problems.
Fans will hope for better over the busy holiday period. Next up is Newcastle on Boxing Day. United need points to climb the table. Tough times continue at Old Trafford, but the manager keeps pushing competition for places. Mainoo’s situation remains one to watch when he returns fit. For now, the focus shifts to recovery and the next game.
