During Manchester United’s victory against Aston Villa over the weekend, Eric Ten Hag was fined and suspended for calling the video assistant referee (VAR) official names. Manchester United has pledged to challenge the decisio
Villa’s response to the early setback was exceptional. John McGinn forced an acrobatic tip over from United custodian Onana, who was also equal to Watkins’ one-on-one inside the box when the hosts broke through Ten Hag’s defence in a sweeping play.
Jacob Ramsey, who had a good game in midfield, then shot wide from inside the area as Villa finished strong in the first half.
Manchester United’s influential Luke Shaw was replaced at halftime due to injury, and it only took three minutes for Victor Lindelof to make a major error.
The Swede passed the ball to Matty Cash deep in the United half, who squared to Watkins, who appeared to be on his way to scoring but was denied by Onana yet again.
Ramsey had two more chances, but failed to convert Bailey’s brilliant ball into a one-on-one before seeing a low shot stopped by Dalot on the line.
The pressure finally took its toll. Onana saved another point-blank shot from Clement Lenglet from a corner, but after United cleared, Bailey threw the ball back in the mix for Luiz to fire high into the goal.
Scott McTominay’s late winner gave Manchester United their first away league victory over a top-nine club under Erik ten Hag, while Aston Villa were defeated 2-1, blowing the race for Champions League football wide open.
United started quickly at Villa Park and gained a deserved lead with Rasmus Hojlund’s sixth goal in five Premier League outings.
Villa dominated the big opportunities, but Andre Onana was in top form, making four great saves, including two from Ollie Watkins.
“It’s a massive win for us,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports following the game. “We’re getting closer, and that’s the goal for today; that was definitely our goal, and we achieved it. I liked the way we did it.
“I never think about terrible scenarios. I have a good mindset. We realise we need to catch up, but we are not there yet. We’re in a good mood and will keep this process going.
