Manchester United beat Aston Villa 2-0 in their last Premier League of the season at Old Trafford on Sunday, May 25.
As a result, United finished in the 15th position while Villa ended in sixth. Aston Villa will thus play in the Europa League next season, as Newcastle qualified for the UEFA Champions League despite losing to Everton.
It was a match Manchester United dominated thoroughly and should have won with a bigger margin.
Aston Villa were reduced to 10 men as their goalkeeper Emi Martinez saw a red card while trying to stop Rasmus Hojlund.
Early Manchester United Dominance
United were the dominant side right from the beginning.
The Red Devils pressed intensely with Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount leading the press. Mount kept switching between the position of a central attacking midfielder and that of a left winger.
Noussair Mazraoui made overlapping runs frequently down the right flank and kept playing crosses into the box.
Mazraoui pulled his hamstring in the first half forcing him out, with Diogo Dalot replacing him. That decreased the intensity of United’s attacks down the right, but their players kept taking shots at the Aston Villa goal to keep Martinez busy.
Martinez was sent off in the dying minutes of the first half and Ruben Amorim replaced Dalot with Kobbie Mainoo at the beginning of the second.
United then switched to a 3-5-2 with Mainoo playing alongside Hojlund upfront and Amad Diallo playing as the right wing-back.
The crosses kept flying into the Aston Villa penalty box, but it was not until the 72nd minute when Bruno Fernandes’ perfect delivery found Amad, that the home side were able to break the deadlock.
15 minutes later, Christian Eriksen, who had replaced Mount earlier, converted a penalty kick to ensure United’s victory.
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A Pleasing Win for Ruben Amorim
The victory in their last match of the season must have pleased the Manchester United manager.
Aston Villa are a quality side and dominating them throughout was a creditable feat undoubtedly.
It has been a season to forget for the 20-time English champions. They are not going to feature in any European tournament next season, which is going to affect their revenue stream.
However, the last match of the season should give them enough hope to start on an encouraging note next season.
Amorim is going to remain in charge of the team when the next season starts. He should get an opportunity to strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen whether he will be able to bolster his squad significantly for an improved display next season.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PRiME Media Images
Recording Date: 25.05.2025