Same Old United.

[Source]

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Manchester United hosted Aston Villa after an underwhelming week where they lost to West Ham in as many as two games within 4 days and the Hammers got the better of them this time around in the Carabao Cup after winning by a solitary goal.

It looked like nothing much has changed about United despite the massive additions they have introduced into their side; Ronaldo, Varane and Sancho. They had chances but didn't make anything of the chances they had. They were sloppy with their passes and Villa threatened more. United were indecisive at some point also and they succumbed to a late defeat at home.

United are on a bad patch as they have been subjected to a back to back defeat after their midweek defeat in the Cup. They need to be at their best if they are to beat Villarreal who defeated them in the Europa League Final.

Aston Villa had the first and best chance to take the lead after Cash brilliantly picked out Targett at the end of the post only for him to bundle his effort over the bar with the post at his mercy.

Pogba found Greenwood with an inch-perfect through pass in the 17th minute and as Greenwood raced on goal, he selfishly went for the goal despite Bruno Fernandes waiting just inside the box to guide the ball home.

Maguire almost cost United a goal against them when his back pass was heavy for De Gea and his immediate clearance fell to Watkins whose shot was quickly blocked again by the foot of De Gea before he gathered it. 2 minutes after, in the 24th minute, Wan Bissaka and Fernandes combined so well leaving Fernandes with a wonderful chance after he left his marker on the floor. He tried to pick out Ronaldo but it was deflected and it fell to Pogba whose shot was deflected for a corner kick as well.

United increased the tempo and it looked as though they understand this match is a must-win especially knowing either Chelsea or Manchester City would drop points since they were scheduled to play at the same time.

Aston Villa had a freekick in a dangerous area just outside the box after Fernandes gave a freekick away. Douglas Luis had a go at it but Maguire blocked it off for a corner kick. The corner kick was almost converted with a thumping header from Konsa but it was way over the bar.

Maguire had a chance to get United ahead when a lovely ball found him inside the box after a brilliant delivery from Bruno Fernandes but his header was saved by Martinez. United also had a freekick in a dangerous area when Pogba drew a foul and Cristiano stepped up but he couldn't get it over the wall as it was blocked off. Shortly after, Pogba missed another chance to give United the lead after he brilliantly lost his marker but his header missed just by a fraction.

United looked the better side at halftime despite losing Luke Shaw to injury. He was replaced by Diogo Dalot.

Ronaldo worked a lovely pass to McTominay on the stroke of the hour mark and Scot laid a pass to Pogba. His curling attempt missed the top of the post he was aiming for, much to his disappointment.

Greenwood had another chance after he was played in even though it was in a difficult circumstance he could have cut back to find Ronaldo who was free at the other end.

Aston Villa started the second half better than United but nothing came from their few chances though United expertly kept them in the offside trap. Maguire got a niggle too and came off to be replaced by Lindelof. Two players out injured and this isn't what United would want especially with a busy week to come in the league and Champions League.

Ollie Watkins blew a great chance for his Villa side after he was sent one on one against Varane. He expertly beat the defender as he drove in. His shot was saved by De Gea. United sparked a counter with Greenwood again wasting another chance at the other end. Shortly after, Pogba had a shot missed the target after being found inside the box. He had another chance in the 75th minute after dancing his way into the box but his finishing let him down.

Ramsey slipped in a crucial moment after Villa worked their way into the box in the 80th minute. It was a costly miss that left Ramsey clutching his leg. Cavani was introduced with McTominay withdrawn. United increased their tempo and Bruno had a chance with a header at the end of the post but the goalkeeper was up to it.

United conceded in the 88th minute after Hause lost Cavani to a header from the corner kick with De Gea well beaten at his near post to give Villa the lead. The game soon turned on its head in the 90th minute after the scorer conceded a penalty as the ball struck his arm after Bruno Fernandes' delivery into the box. Ronaldo left the penalty for Bruno but he shockingly blasted his effort over the bar. He went for power rather than placement. Greenwood tried to snatch a late equalizer after he drove into the box but his effort missed narrowly.

The game ended 1-0 in favour of Villa and United were well beaten at Old Trafford.

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Thank you for your time.

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