Aston Villa 1-2 Man Utd: 6 Years Unbeaten at Villa Park!

Published by CM22ENT on 11 February 202411 February 2024

Manchester United entered this away day a much more confident outfit in comparison to the reverse fixture on Boxing Day which saw three unanswered goals for Erik ten hag’s side after suffering a 2-0 deficit.

Villa Park is always an atmosphere to behold on the yearly calendar. Can spark to life in a matter of moments. Those factors can only be improved with good form for the home side, and despite a slight dip as of late, The Villains have enjoyed a fruitful campaign domestically and in Europe this season.

It was a feeling out process at the beginning of this encounter, with Manchester United surprisingly settling quicker, and almost capitalising on some worrying moments for Aston Villa. As the corner kicks began to rack up, one highlight included the mismatched duel between Boubacar Kamara and England’s very own Harry Maguire.

Evidently, it was Maguire who towered above the Frenchman, guiding his header towards a red hot Rasmus Højlund who gave the away side a deserved lead.

Villa didn’t slouch for a moment as they attempted to reverse their frustrating start. Andre Onana was called into action on numerous occasions, notably from a John McGinn thunderbolt, and Ollie Watkins who was through on goal. Both saves displayed high levels of proactivity.

The home side continued to surge forward with slick 1 and 2 touch football, opening up and exposing open spaces left by United defenders. Something that needed to be addressed going into the second half, but saying and doing are two different actions…

As pressure continuously mounted, it was only a matter of time before disaster struck with Douglas Luiz shimmying his way to a well taken equaliser. A lacklustre stretch of football resulted in punishment best served cold.

Despite a lack of aggression and pressure that could only be described as the kettle boiling hot, The Red Devils didn’t suffer third degree burns. In fact, through their top scoring substitute Scott Mctominay, a late dagger sliced through the hearts of those in claret and blue. A bullet header plus delightful work on the right hand side from Kobbie Mainoo and Diogo Dalot, and a priceless goal that takes Erik ten Hag’s XI 5 points closer to today’s opponents providing a chance to expand upon vague conversations regarding the illustrious Top 4.

6 Years unbeaten at Villa Park is a remarkable achievement, but more importantly, winning a third consecutive league game remains the primary focus. The FA Cup is an opportunity with obstacles to get past on the road to Wembley, but 13 games are what separates this team from confirmed regression. Nonetheless, questions will be asked with a new regime in place. All the collective can do for now, is take it game by game, starting with Luton Town next Sunday!

How did you assess the game and each team’s performance? Have your say in the comment section, and feel free to follow my accounts on X, TikTok, and YouTube where I’ll be providing extra Man Utd content and updates.