Manchester United left Villa Park with zero points, but plenty of hope as a much-weakened squad was good value for at least a point despite a 2-1 loss.
The first half went better than expected for Man Utd, as a squad missing seven first-team regulars pinned Aston Villa back, but missed chances continued to dictate this side.
They were sucker-punched by a Morgan Rogers wondergoal, but it seemed to wake United up, as Patrick Dorgu won the ball back high up the pitch, and Matheus Cunha did the rest to draw level for half time.
Rogers scored a carbon copy of the first goal in the second half to restore Villa’s lead, and United constantly played well but missed chances to come back into the game.
Ruben Amorim wasn’t at fault this time, however, as the team did really well and he rolled the dice late on to try and win by giving Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey their debuts.
Man Utd player ratings vs Aston Villa
Senne Lammens – 6.5
Largely safe and secure except for Rogers’ shots, which even Lev Yashin couldn’t have saved.
Leny Yoro – 4
Allowed Rogers inside on his stronger foot too easily twice, and the Villa star’s brilliance made Utd pay twice again.
Ayden Heaven – 7.5
Growing into his central role, he aggressively went into duels and emerged on top more times than not.
Luke Shaw – 7
Enjoyed some forward runs down the left, and was safe and secure in defence.
Diogo Dalot – 6
On his stronger right foot, which allowed him to overlap with purpose, but his final product was lacking.
Patrick Dorgu – 6.5
Won fouls aplenty and won the ball back for Cunha’s goal, but, like Dalot, struggled in the final third except for one cross that Cunha should have converted.
Manuel Ugarte – 2
Misplaced passes, dawdles on the ball, and is inaccurate with his tackling. Difficult to see how he returns to form without leaving Man Utd now. Needs a January reset.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Forget his performance, his hamstring will be the talk of the town as he pulled up in the first half.
Matheus Cunha – 8
Created chances for Sesko, then took matters into his own hands with a brilliant far-post finish in the first half before fluffing a brilliant chance in the second half to restore parity.
Mason Mount – 7
Looked good again as he pressed with purpose and stitched plays together well in close spaces.
Benjamin Sesko – 5
His movement got him two good chances, so that’s credit to him, but he wasted both, which is worrying.
Substitutes
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Came on at the start of the second half in place of Bruno Fernandes in midfield and looked impressive.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6.5
Some slick interplays got United moving up the pitch near the end.
Jack Fletcher – 6.5
Put himself about with purpose in defence and showed confident touches in attack.
Shea Lacey – 6.5
Came on late as Amorim gave a second debut. Tested Emi Martinez with a sighter from range.
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