Key Takeaways:
- Aston Villa secured their tenth consecutive victory in all competitions on Saturday at Villa Park, overcoming Manchester United 2:1 in the penultimate match of the 17th Premier League round
- Morgan Rogers netted two superb goals (45′, 57′), while Matheus Cunha equalised for Manchester United during first-half stoppage time
- The result drew Villa within one point of Manchester City and three points of leaders Arsenal, while Manchester United remain seventh in the league standings going into Christmas
Match Overview
Aston Villa extended their impressive run of form with a 2:1 victory over Manchester United at Villa Park, marking their tenth successive win in all competitions. The fixture, part of the 17th round of the Premier League, was a lively affair with both sides creating numerous scoring opportunities. Morgan Rogers delivered a brace (45′, 57′), including a splendid solo effort followed by a precise finish, to tilt the balance in Villa’s favour despite Manchester United’s efforts to recover through Matheus Cunha’s first-half stoppage time equaliser.
The hosts not only outscored their visitors but moved within one point of Manchester City and three of current pace-setters Arsenal following the win, all while establishing a seven-point cushion over fourth-place rivals. Manchester United, in turn, are set to spend Christmas holding seventh place in the league.
SEVEN PL WINS ON THE BOUNCE 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/5hTdblPXIT
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 21, 2025
Team Selections and Tactical Adjustments
Unai Emery opted for continuity, making just a single alteration to the lineup from the West Ham match last weekend. Emiliano Martínez returned between the sticks after a spell out through injury, reclaiming his position for Villa.
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim, however, found himself compelled to reshuffle, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui all unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments. Consequently, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Šeško were brought in for Diallo and Mbeumo, and Manuel Ugarte replaced the suspended Casemiro, who was serving a ban for accumulated yellow cards. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo was also absent after picking up a minor injury in training ahead of the match.
First Half: Chances at Both Ends
The match commenced at a brisk pace, with early counter-attacks exchanged. Manchester United threatened first through Cunha, who narrowly missed the target. Shortly after, Ollie Watkins advanced dangerously for Villa, only for Aydan Heaven to intervene with a crucial block.
Villa then ramped up the pressure, carving out three clear opportunities in quick succession. Ugarte lost possession in the eighth minute, sparking a swift counter that culminated in McGinn’s attempt being saved by Lammens. Watkins followed up, but found his shot blocked by Hayden. From the ensuing corner, Maatsen fired across goal and Rogers attempted a deft flick with his heel, narrowly missing the post.
Manchester United then responded through Slovenian forward Šeško, who squandered two major opportunities. First, a pass from Cunha sent Šeško through on goal, but Martínez produced a sharp save. Minutes later, another Cunha delivery saw Šeško overhit his touch in an attempt to round the Villa keeper. Amidst this, Martínez required attention after sustaining a significant blow to the head from teammate Matty Cash’s knee but was able to continue.
The breakthrough arrived in the 45th minute. Rogers showed great control before cutting in from the wing, bypassing Yoro and dispatching a fine effort into the far corner to give Villa a deserved advantage.
United, however, quickly drew level as first-half stoppage time approached. A lapse from Matty Cash allowed Dorgu to dispossess him, with the ball falling kindly for Cunha, who rifled a shot into the far corner to level the scores at 1:1.
Second Half: Rogers Strikes Again
United entered the second half with Lisandro Martínez replacing Bruno Fernandes, who had suffered a knock earlier. This enforced change left Amorim’s options even more limited and tilted United’s set-up towards greater defensive solidity. Despite this, it was the visitors who started brighter after half-time, with Šeško narrowly missing connecting with a Maount cross before Maount himself sent a fierce strike wide from the edge of the box.
Lisandro Martínez also tried his luck from distance, just missing the target once again in the 56th minute. However, Morgan Rogers restored Villa’s lead moments later. In the 57th minute, Tielemans delivered a dangerous cross from the left, Watkins helped the ball on, and Rogers found the net with another top-quality finish into the far corner.
Manchester United nearly levelled almost immediately as Martínez thwarted Dalot’s attempt, and Matty Cash blocked Dorgu’s rebound. In the 67th minute, Cunha failed to capitalise on an excellent cross from Dorgu, heading wide to squander another guilt-edged chance.
Late Substitutions and Final Push
Amorim introduced Zirkzee in place of Ugarte in the 72nd minute and handed Jack Fletcher, son of Darren Fletcher, his first senior appearance by bringing him on for Šeško. Eighteen-year-old Shea Lacey was also given a late cameo, replacing Yoro in the 85th minute.
In injury time, Maount threatened with a direct free kick from a prime position, but his attempt sailed just over, landing on the roof of the net. Ultimately, Villa weathered the late United pressure and secured their eleventh victory in their last twelve league outings.
