Lost the battle. Did we lose the war too?
Manchester United’s four-match unbeaten run ended at Villa Park, Sunday, as the Reds fell to the hosts 2-1 on the back of a brace from Morgan Rogers while Matheus Cunha scored the only goal for United. The Reds now sit in seventh place following Sunderland’s draw over the weekend.
The scoreline was not as staggering a loss as what occurred in the 39th minute when Bruno Fernandes appeared to be nursing a hamstring injury. The talismanic captain gutted out the final six minutes and stoppage but was subbed off at the start of the second half. Now, we must all cross our fingers and toes that the injury is not serious considering his importance to the team and the dire state of the team’s midfield depth.
Despite Benjamin Sesko having successive big chances in the 22nd and 23rd minutes following enterprising runs between defenders, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s presence forced Sesko into a saveable shot and a heavy touch, respectively. This proved costly when the hosts ultimately took the lead in the 45th minute behind Rogers’ right foot.
John McGinn, from near the midfield line, picked out Rogers deep on the left wing. The winger kept the ball in play before cutting inside and carrying the ball into the box. Leny Yoro afforded too much space for Rogers who ripped a curling shot to the top right corner.
United would regain momentum before the break as Cunha f0und an equalizer in the third minute of stoppage time. Villa’s Matty Cash was pressed by Patrick Dorgu deep in his own half, and Dorgu poked the ball out which Cunha ran onto in the Villa penalty area. From a difficult angle, Cunha curled his shot around Martinez and into the far side netting.
Unfortunately for the Reds, Rogers would find his brace in the 57th minute in a similar scenario to the first goal. A cross into Ollie Watkins popped over to Rogers who again cut the ball inside in the box to get the ball on his favored foot before ripping a curling shot and beating Senne Lammens.
Without the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo to make up for the loss of Fernandes, United’s attack was largely toothless in the second half. The best chance for a second equalizer came in the 67th minute when Dorgu played a perfectly lofted cross to Cunha who only had to head the ball past Martinez, but his attempt went wide.
United saw two academy players make their debuts. Jack Fletcher replaced Sesko in the 73rd minute before Shea Lacey replaced Yoro in the 84th minute.
The Reds return home to host two matches during the festive period. First, Newcastle United comes to Old Trafford on Boxing Day before last-place Wolves arrives on Tuesday, Dec. 30 for the second match of the season series.
Category: General Sports
