Manchester United fell to a sour defeat in front of fans at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League. Kortney Hause's goal from the corner kick the difference at the end of the competitive tie. Although United pushed Villa right till the end in the late stages, Bruno Fernandes was awarded a penalty in stoppage time for a Kortney Hause handball which was skied over, the points penultimately going to the West Midlands.
With the contest very cagey early on, the first chance in the game went to Ollie Watkins after he was given ball accidently in the penalty area, his shot hit straight at David De Gea in the United net. Just before Matt Targett had a golden chance at the back post after a good team move, but he fired way over the crossbar.
Moments later Mason Greenwood has a great chance after cutting inside on his right foot with Emi Martinez making the save denying him. Villa continued to press the left hand side in the first period both teams needing the break to regroup, United lacking the composure, Ollie Watkins continuing to look dangerous up top and Cristiano Ronaldo yet to set the game alight.
The Red Devils needed to hold the ball better in the second losing the ball in the final third. Aston Villa on the other hand struggling in the middle of the pitch. United did try to slither a way through the Villa defence via the left hand side late on, Diogo Dalot the provider, Aaron Wan Bissaka and Scott McTominay trying to combine after collecting, but the ball wasted to the frustration of the fans. In the end Villa earned their first win at Old Trafford since Gabriel Agbonlahor's winner in 2009.
-
Match statistics
The game was one sided in possession United having the better of it, the Red Devils utilising the ball pretty well unable to pounce on their higher statistical shots on target, with Aston Villa clinical and resilient on the afternoon. Man United had 28 shots on goal during the game compared to Aston Villa's seven, with four shots on target to the away sides three. The possession count for the Red Devils was higher with a 60 to 40% ratio at Old Trafford. The total pass count for United was way higher, 409 to Aston Villa's 271. The Manchester side also had the better passing accuracy of 76% to the visitors 69%.
-
Solskjaer pointed out the decision making in the final third was poor
The Red Devils manager knew his team lacked that finishing touch, he said:
"Decision making, execution in the final third wasn't the best and that cost us again. Decision making on VAR again cost us again. Unfortunately I have to say it was offside, the goal as Hause is heading it, Watkins is actually touching David and so is impeeding him. So I cant see the consistency anywhere in this VAR and the decision making. They have come out of the corridor I have asked for an explanation, the linesman he flagged it up with the VAR and the VAR has gone wrong again.
-
On the Bruno Fernandes penalty miss
Solskjaer admitted it wasn't to be his day but was unhappy with the way the Aston Villa players dealt with the penalty decision.
"Didn't like the way they crowded Bruno, penalty spot, referee and all that situation. Bruno is very strong mentally normally and unfortunately today it just didn't go his way."