ASTON VILLA 2-1 MAN UTD: Morgan Rogers produced two game-changing moments to inspire Aston Villa’s win against Manchester United, who sorely lacked quality in attack
Unai Emery tore off his coat, swirled it above his head and then threw it away in sheer delight. Villa Park was alive, the noise was deafening as the home fans stood together to cheer another unforgettable moment from Morgan Rogers.
There have been a few this season but his first of two pieces of magic in one game underlines why Emery’s Aston Villa are in the thick of this title race. No wonder Emery was excited.
It is now 10 straight wins in all competitions for Villa and, even more incredibly, it was only their second win over United in 27 Premier League games at Villa Park. They are a team blitzing records.
It also showed why England boss Thomas Tuchel rates Rogers so highly and the Villa forward is making a very strong case to start the World Cup even ahead of his boyhood pal Jude Bellingham. Rogers was exceptional and, most importantly, he stepped up when Villa needed him most because they were not at their best and could count themselves rather fortunate to win.
Manchester United played well in large parts of the game but they lacked the game-changing, defining moments of brilliance which are supposed to be in the club’s DNA. Matheus Cunha drew them level with a brilliant, clinical finish but then missed an absolute sitter to get United a second equaliser.
READ MORE: Morgan Rogers downs toothless Man Utd as Aston Villa’s streak continues – 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Man Utd handed Bruno Fernandes injury blow as hobbling star forced off
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Even more worryingly, Bruno Fernandes went off at half-time after stretching out his leg and if he is out for any time then you fear for a United team already missing Bryan Mbeumo and Amad who are away on AFCON duty. You might have thought it could be a chance for Kobbie Mainoo but he missed the trip to Villa Park because of a calf injury.
A cynic might be suspicious that his absence came just a few days after his brother wore a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt in protest at his continued absence from the United starting line-up. But surely no manager would cut off their nose to spite their face.
Ruben Amorim also needs every bit of help he can get. Another blank for £74m striker Benjamin Sesko who has yet to get going at Old Trafford.
Amorim cut a frustrated figure as he threw on youngsters Shea Lacey and also Jack Fletcher – son of ex-United midfielder Darren who is still on the staff – for his senior debut. But even as Villa tired, United just could not find a way back.
Rogers reigned supreme again as he just looks unstoppable right now. For club and country.
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His first goal lit up the whole game because after Villa’s fast start, it had faded away. Then Rogers struck. John McGinn sent over a long ball, Rogers’ heavy touch nearly let it run out of play but he showed all his pace and determination to keep it in.
Rogers then darted in from the left wing, cut inside and then curled a sensational shot into the top corner to give Villa the lead on 45 minutes. But, within three minutes and deep into first half injury time, United levelled.
Matty Cash found himself under pressure, Patrick Dorgu got a touch to Cunha who steadied himself and then made a smart finish into the far corner. Villa were ahead again after 57 minutes.
Youri Tielemans put the ball across, Ollie Watkins could not control it and then Rogers latched on and curled another brilliant shot into the far corner. Another Christmas cracker from Rogers. Sheer brilliance. Somehow Cunha headed wide from Dorgu’s cross to level again and Villa held on.
United will play worse and win. This was not a day for an Amorim crisis but it was a game which highlighted the reliance on Fernandes, a growing list of absences and also Sesko’s continual struggles. In contrast, after Villa’s worst start in 28 years which left them in utter disarray, they now have an incredible and wonderful momentum.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
