Manchester United, having endured the worst season, properly caught Aston Villa at the last moment.
Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 2-0 in the final match of the 38th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League season held at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on the 26th (Korean time).
Although Manchester United accepted a meager scorecard with 42 points (11 wins, 9 draws, 18 losses, 15th place), Villa collapsed at the last hurdle, missing the UEFA Champions League entry ticket with 66 points (19 wins, 9 draws, 10 losses, 6th place).
Having already fallen out of the league title race early and lost the right to participate in European club competitions, Manchester United maintained their pride in their final home match of the season. In contrast, Villa had been on an upward trend this season, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, but they collapsed at a crucial moment, ending their hopes of back-to-back Champions League qualifications.
The home team Manchester United lined up in a 3-4-3 formation. The attacking trio included Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, and Amad Diallo, while the midfield consisted of Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Noussair Mazraoui. The three-center backs were Isaac Heven, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof, while the goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Altay Bayındır.
In response, Villa lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ollie Watkins played as the center forward, supported by John McGinn, Marco Asensio, and Morgan Rogers in the second line. Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara anchored the midfield, while Iaan Martsen, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, and Matty Cash made up the back four, with Emiliano Martínez guarding the goal.
From the first half, Manchester United was aggressive. In the 4th minute of the first half, Mount made a crucial shot but was blocked by Martínez. United continued to knock on the goal but was thwarted by Martínez's consecutive saves. Villa increased their pressing intensity but encountered the worst situation in stoppage time of the first half.
Cash's back pass was too short, and Hojlund quickly intercepted it. Goalkeeper Martínez rashly rushed out and collided with Hojlund, leading the referee to issue a direct red card. Villa hurriedly brought in substitute goalkeeper Olsen, replacing Asensio, and ended the first half at 0-0 despite being one player down.
In the second half, Manchester United pressed even harder. There was a variable as Dalot, substituted for injury, was hurt again, leading to the emergency substitution of Mainu, but the momentum shifted to United. Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, they pushed Villa hard, and in the 31st minute of the second half, a perfect cross from Bruno Fernandes was met with a header from Diallo for the opening goal.
Riding the wave of momentum, United earned a penalty kick in the 40th minute of the second half when Diallo drew a foul from the opponent's Martsen. The kicker, Eriksen, calmly converted the penalty, finishing the match at 2-0. Although Watkins scored for Villa, the goal was disallowed due to a foul during the collision with goalkeeper Bayındır, leaving them without luck.
Despite the worst slump of the season, Manchester United preserved their last pride and wrote another drama after the match. Right after the game ended, Coach Ruben Amorim took the microphone and faced the fans. He opened with, "I sincerely apologize. I know well that you have gone through a tough time this season."
Following that, Coach Amorim appealed, "Now we must choose. Will we remain stuck in the past, blaming each other, or will we come together and become stronger? The storm has passed, and good days will come if we unite and overcome any crisis together."
Although the results were the worst, fans gave a warm cheer and applause for the victory and the coach's heartfelt message on that day. Coach Emery and Villa missed out on the Champions League ticket due to this shocking defeat, but they will find consolation in qualifying for the Europa League next season along with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.
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