We learnt three issues as Manchester United secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Previous Trafford. With this win, the Purple Devils moved nearer to a return to the Champions League for subsequent season.
In the course of the first half of the sport, Manchester United had been undoubtedly the higher attacking facet, they usually had been rewarded when Bruno Fernandes scored simply earlier than halftime. In the meantime, the Villans had a number of possibilities to equalise within the last ten minutes however the Purple Devils held on.
The very best alternative for Unai Emery’ facet got here by way of Ollie Watkins, who broke free and ran down the left flank, earlier than crossing low into the field. Marcel Sabitzer cleared the ball, nevertheless it bounced off Luke Shaw and landed on the toes of Douglas Luiz. Though Sabitzer blocked Luiz’s first try, Victor Lindelof produced a incredible header on the goal-line to deflect the Brazilian’s second shot away from the aim.
1. Bruno Fernandes Exhibits His Captaincy Credentials
Regardless of struggling an harm in the course of the FA Cup semi-finals towards Brighton and taking part in via the ache, Bruno Fernandes as soon as once more proved essential for Manchester United by scoring the successful aim in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
After giving the Portuguese midfielder the captain’s armband and naming Harry Maguire on the bench, Erik ten Hag expressed his delight with Fernandes’ efficiency. The attacking midfielder scored his eleventh aim of the marketing campaign, serving to the Purple Devils safe a 1-0 win at Previous Trafford towards Unai Emery’s males. The Portuguese worldwide has made 52 appearances in all competitions this season (stats by way of Transfermarkt).
2. Victor Lindelof Steps Up In The Absence Of Martinez And Varane
Victor Lindelof put in a outstanding defensive show in the course of the workforce’s slim victory over the Lions. He produced one other prime efficiency on the coronary heart of the backline. The Swede had 72 touches and accomplished a shocking 97 per cent of his passes. He additionally managed seven ball recoveries with 4 clearances.
Victor Lindelof’s sport by numbers vs. Aston Villa:
97% cross accuracy
72 touches
7 ball recoveries
4 clearances
1/1 aerial duels received
1 lengthy ball accomplishedSome important contributions from the Iceman in the present day. 🧊 pic.twitter.com/R1CoDhBWzI
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 30, 2023
The 28-year-old produced a goalline clearance too, though Ollie Watkins was offside within the lead-up. There was plenty of hypothesis concerning Lindelof’s future, however in our opinion, the Swede nonetheless has loads to supply to United for the subsequent couple of seasons at the least.
3. The Purple Devils Are On Course For Champions League Qualification
Manchester United dominated the assault towards Aston Villa and had been rewarded for his or her efforts. Regardless of the Villans’ efforts to equalise within the second half, United’s defence held robust and prevented any objectives, which has been one thing that Ten Hag has managed to get his workforce to do at house.
Following the match, captain Bruno Fernandes expressed his perception that the Purple Devils should play within the Champions League subsequent season. With six video games remaining within the season, together with a sport in hand as in comparison with their nearest rivals, United are two factors behind third-placed Newcastle United and wish a most of 11 factors to safe their spot within the top-four. Whereas Fernandes acknowledges that there’s nonetheless work to be carried out, he’s assured within the workforce’s skill to attain their aim.
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Aston Villa had emerged as one of many greatest threats to Manchester United in regard to Champions League qualification, however Unai Emery’s facet had been handed their first defeat in 11 Premier League video games as they failed to attain for the primary time underneath the Spaniard.
The Purple Devils now have a nine-point benefit over fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur, whereas the Villans stay in sixth place on the desk.
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