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Manchester United staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, overturning a 2-0 deficit from the first half. The match featured a remarkable turnaround, with United's young talents taking the spotlight. Alejandro Garnacho scored twice, playing a pivotal role in the recovery, while Rasmus Hojlund scored his first Premier League goal, which proved to be the winner. Erik ten Hag, United's manager, praised the resilience and talent of the young players, particularly highlighting Garnacho's threat on the right side throughout the match and Hojlund's strong character. Aston Villa's set piece tactics, coached by Austin MacPhee, initially gave them the lead with goals from John McGinn's free kick and Leander Dendoncker's goal, but United's second-half performance, spurred by key tactical changes and the return of key players, saw them secure a morale-boosting win. Villa's high defensive line contributed to their success with set pieces but also left them vulnerable to United's comeback. The result was significant for United as it demonstrated their ability to recover from a poor start and showcased the potential of their young forwards in a high-pressure scenario.
Viral star backing Rasmus Hojlund reacts to him scoring first Premier League goal Tap to read 👇 https://t.co/D9Xet6rc8J
First time that City have had a comfortable end to a league game since beating Bournemouth at the start of November. They've not often had the results that their performances have deserved since then but they recovered brilliantly from another sucker punch tonight
Collins' horrible night is complete as he passes straight to Cunha, who squares for Bellegarde to score. O'Neil immediately tells Neto to sit down and it's just one sub - Hugo Bueno for Ait-Nouri. #WWFC https://t.co/Qkvn9Iwly5
Given how tired Wolves were in the final half hour on Sunday, and given Brentford didn't play at all in the last round of games, this might well be a long, backs-to-the-wall second half. #WWFC https://t.co/RYq0QHDaCF
Lewis-Potter shot from the edge of the box takes a deflection but Sa saves. Brentford on top early in the second half. #WWFC https://t.co/RYq0QHDIsd
Cunha now playing through the middle with Sarabia to his right and Bellegarde to his left. Good chance just missed by Lewis-Potter to halve the lead. #WWFC
A half that underlined just how weird football can be. Wolves played much better in the first half at Sheffield United, failed to score, ended up losing and that 45 minutes has been forgotten. Have to take your chances, however they come, and they have so far tonight. #WWFC https://t.co/kWyBYAEi57
A first-half littered with errors from Brentford leaves them 3-1 down against Wolves. Wolves making it difficult for them to play out from the back and have not had much success going long. I wonder how long Frank will wait until bringing Jensen and Damsgaard off the bench?
Brentford waste a great chance to score before half-time! Yarmoliuk with lovely feet when surrounded by three Wolves players and pops the ball off to Roerslev. The defender's cross drops into the box and after a scramble it falls to Maupay who hits it wide while off balance.
Massive let-off for Wolves, as they fail to clear their lines, Sa dives at the feet of Wissa and Maupay fires the rebound wide. #WWFC https://t.co/RYq0QHDIsd
They obviously don't think Hwang has any hope of recovering this evening. The double goalscorer is off. Bellegarde on. #WWFC https://t.co/uDVje1hPAC
Hwang down in the Brentford box with what looks like a blow to his lower back. Bellegarde being prepared. But you'd be tempted to wait til HT and see how Hwang us, surely? #WWFC https://t.co/RYq0QHDaCF
Now Semedo runs the length of the field without being challenged and picks out Hwang. Should have got a shot away but lost control of the ball. Wasted opportunity in a made game. #WWFC https://t.co/RYq0QHDIsd
And it should have been 2-2 but Lewis-Potter sent a simple header straight at Sa. You can start making tackles, winning headers and going with runners any time you're ready, lads (both teams). #WWFC https://t.co/jvVaIDaLZH
Brentford so close to an equaliser! Lewis-Potter with a fantastic curling cross from the left wing and Janelt's close-range header is somehow saved by Jose Sa.
First goal: Lemina steams in to head home Sarabia's cross. 0-1. Second goal: Horrendous backpass from Collins and Hwang goes round Flekken to score. 0-2. Third goal: Bueno plays Wissa onside and he collects a simple pass to beat Sa. 1-2. Woeful defending all round. #WWFC
Nervy moment for Brentford as Hwang whips a low cross into the box and it bounces off Janelt narrowly over the bar.
First glimmer of a chance for Wolves as Kilman lifts it over the top for Cunha to run onto but it runs away from him in the Brentford box. Pretty scrappy, fairly even first 11 minutes. #WWFC https://t.co/RYq0QHDaCF
Nice passage of play from Brentford. Ghoddos hits the ball upfield for Lewis-Potter to chase and he drives into the box before pulling off a cheeky backheel for Janelt. Janelt's first-time cross is about to find Wissa unmarked before Toti makes a last-ditch clearance.
EXCLUSIVE: Man United told to ditch several 'passengers' despite Aston Villa comeback Read here 👇 https://t.co/dMMCgNNtTj
Unai Emery delivers awkward post-match interview after Aston Villa's late collapse against Man United Full story 👇 https://t.co/HPUPSBgwEr
"Now the first goal is in .. he will net more" Erik ten Hag has said he always had belief that Rasmus Højlund would score soon enough https://t.co/UEsIyYXSWG
TODAY'S EARLY KICKOFF BREAKS DOWN the Rasmus Hojlund-Sean Millis connection, and how the Miracle meme has come full circle now that the Dane has his first PL goal. 🎶🎤 https://t.co/mKZG26aHNf
Erik ten Hag says the return of key players will bolster Manchester United's consistency as they plot to build on Tuesday's dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford. #AFPSports ➡️ https://t.co/CrZnIwfp8O https://t.co/37OL4gAyWZ
HOJLUND WINNER FROM THE STANDS. Up close view of what "Bite Your Arm Off For A First Premier League Goal" looks like. Drink it in Utd Fans. 🔴 https://t.co/j3yGcn7qr8
Rasmus Hojlund receives message from Sean Mills after heroics for Manchester United in Aston Villa win https://t.co/MnxFS4dQJg
#AVFC caught Man United offside seven times in the first half - the most of any side in one 45-minute period. But the offside trap was an example of Villa keeping home fans engaged with their players regularly bearing down on goal - Villa lost control. https://t.co/QMrRpKb81E
Unai Emery gives awkward response after Man United's comeback against Aston Villa Read here 👇 https://t.co/HPUPSBgwEr
Manchester United 3 (0) Aston Villa 2 (2). Ratings https://t.co/6Lm40KJwia
Bruno Fernandes admits to alarming thoughts after Man Utd's stirring comeback win over Aston Villa https://t.co/lEyhfQVSC9
🔴🇦🇷 Hojlund on Garnacho: "Whether he plays on the left or the right, he's an incredible talent and... only 19". "We talk a lot and try to connect because we hope we have many years here at Manchester United to come". https://t.co/dMapUJFkhd
After 15 games, 1000+ minutes and 114 days, Rasmus Hojlund has a PL goal for Manchester United. If there was the sense he had some of the makings of a Man Utd striker, now for the task of getting more: https://t.co/wMyBoH0Myx
🇩🇰 Ten Hag on Hojlund: "He has a strong character, he's so resilient, so determined, he has a great personality, and that's what a goalscorer needs". "Garnacho? On the right side over 90 minutes, he was absolutely a threat and scored twice". https://t.co/G3tuR0bg9Z
Aston Villa indulged Manchester United’s agents of chaos. Villa let emotions and transitions override their control and game-plan, playing to the Old Trafford crowd. How #AVFC went 2-0 up and how they got it so badly wrong after - Analysis @theathleticfc https://t.co/QMrRpKb81E
It was the celebration of a striker scoring his first goal full stop, not his sixth in 18 starts. But do not downplay the significance of that moment for Rasmus Hojlund. He and others showed Sir Dave Brailsford at least something to work with. 🔗 https://t.co/CeuANeIZXn ⬇
Alejandro Garnacho sends message to Rasmus Hojlund after latter scores first Premier League goal for Manchester United #mufc https://t.co/7zLrjiUJyb https://t.co/NNvrlwKNwq
Man Utd fans think they have a new Cristiano Ronaldo after seismic Aston Villa win https://t.co/e6u0miLdvo
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says his side "missed a very good opportunity" as they let a two-goal lead slip at Old Trafford to lose 3-2 to Manchester United. https://t.co/SVLKktZzEc
👹 Højlund gets his first #PL goal as Man United beat Aston Villa, 🔝 Liverpool top the table after beating Burnley, 🎩 Wood scores a hat-trick against Newcastle, ⚽️ Two own goals secure three points for Luton Town, ⭐️ Bournemouth and Solanke's fine form continues. #BBCFootball
Villa's Emery rues loss vs Man Utd after 'brilliant' season so far https://t.co/3H1reeHwmq https://t.co/XcpziGQKYw
New United We Stand podcast around the Villa game at Old Trafford. Featuring FC Utd, MUST and a comeback. With @matt_4d https://t.co/7GhBDqNkPj
Great come back from @ManUtd after a disastrous first half. Garnacho is the real deal & hopefully the flood gates now open for Hojlund. Still lot to fight for. Desperately need to build forward from here! #GGMU
The goal that gave Rasmus Højlund lift off in the Premier League and completed an incredible comeback win for Manchester United! 🔴 https://t.co/f2J0ny1fO2
Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 2 Rasmus Hojlund's first league goal and Alejandro Garnacho's brace help United come back from 2-0 down in front of Sir Dave Brailsford Tap for our report by @henrywinter ⬇️ https://t.co/ynZAWFiWYl
Garnacho and Hojlund lead the rescue. Whistle report from Old Trafford @TimesSport #MUNAVL https://t.co/Ik7sWCu14U
Rasmus Hojlund and Federico Macheda both scored their first Premier League goals as the winner in a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa for a Man Utd team including Jonny Evans.
Erik ten Hag gets relentlessly questioned. Tactics, recruitment etc. He's dealing with injuries/owners. His "keep believing" words at h-t, obvious passion for #MUFC, his decision to start Garnacho right, and credit in bank from last season, show why he deserves backing. #MUNAVL
Against Sheffield United in the 2nd half, #AVFC lost their shape because of the desperation to score. Today was different - they unravelled because of the desperation to keep playing the same way even if it was now playing into Man United's hands - they lacked composure in both
Rasmus Hojlund will sleep well tonight 👏 #MUNAVL https://t.co/ALs2aPOdQf
Manchester United fight back for morale-boosting win over Aston Villa. https://t.co/B6H7z8pRc6 https://t.co/S2v5FLcGvh
🔴 Garnacho: “We are Manchester United. We never give up”. “I am so happy for Rasmus. Too many people are used to talk about the strikers at Man United…”. https://t.co/rJP8hTKAUz
Stirring comeback for #MUFC - sparked by brave performances from young players. Villa’s approach helped, but United had commitment + creativity. Says something for Ten Hag. Garnacho seized responsibility. Big moment for Hojlund. Rashford’s best game of the season.
🗣 "This is how it used to be. This is how Old Trafford can be...This is a precious night for individuals. It is a precious night for this vast sporting institution." PETER DRURY on Man Utd's remarkable 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa. https://t.co/2DhA2JU8yP
Quality comeback from MUFC. Two down to win 3-2 against a top side. Goalscorers aged 19 and 20. Still ropey at times, but a deserved win, lots of chances created and big boost to confidence. Cathartic.
The briefing - Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 2: United comeback, #AVFC's set-plays woo and then haunt them and Villa's fringe players. Instant match reaction on a disappointing evening for Villa. - piece on @TheAthleticFC w/@Ankaman616 & @ThomHarris_ https://t.co/N7lTIJGl8L
It has been a very long, often unfun year of watching Manchester United Football Club, and that really was just a lovely win. It is quite nice to have those every now and then.
Rasmus Hojlund and Manchester United really needed that. https://t.co/qrr0ZVMjzm
That’s a far more significant result and performance for #MUFC than their last win.
🚨 It's all over at Old Trafford Man United 3-2 Aston Villa! 🔥 A HUGE win for #MUFC! 🔴 What did you make of that game? 🤔
FT: Man United 3-2 #AVFC Villa cede a two-goal lead. The warning signs were there before half time and then after Garnacho's disallowed goal. Villa allowed Old Trafford to be chaotic and United were only the ever team who could thrive within that. Poor display after going two up
RASMUS HOJLUND 1ST PREMIER LEAGUE GOAL FOR UTD. THE BIGGEST BOXING DAY MIRACLE OF THEM ALL. https://t.co/nPWD1XGIhc
Every time I have seen Hojlund btw, he's done everything really well (hold up, link up, occupying CBs). He's had just 3.0 XG, almost nothing to work with across 1k minutes. He's great, the goal today will just help more people respect him 👍🏻 https://t.co/RL5J6v4Zpt https://t.co/Rj0JkeDCio
That is some celebration from Rasmus Hojlund. Some finish too. Can tell how well he’s regarded by teammates. Great tempo by #MUFC
#AVFC were yet to relinquish a lead before this evening. Have looked lost for most of this second half, pushing water up the hill. Took their foot off the gas, which will enrage Emery. Jhon Duran is getting ready to come on.
Rasmus Hojlund picks the perfect time to score his first @premierleague goal. 3-2. #MUNAVL
United, playing well, dominating the game really - sub on McTominay and Antony. Oh the joy!
Viva Garnacho. Showing the fight that #MUFC fans demand. Showing the skill that United fans want. Never stopped running and showing and hoping and now finishing twice. #MUNAVL
Oh my word. John McGinn has a goalbound effort blocked by Jonny Evans six yards out. This has become a basketball-type game, which is the only thing United can do, at the moment. #AVFC
Garnacho and Rashford have been superb since halftime.
Goal, Garnacho. 2-2. Emery signals for #AVFC to calm down but they've lost control here - midfield are losing their duels and struggling to look after the ball. Again, the goal comes on transition. A big battle in the final 20 minutes.
GARNACHO GOAL. Utd pounce on poor passing by the visitors. Very un-Unai mistake by this Villa side. https://t.co/VE4uMqocSc
Still plenty of time in this game, but #MUFC have been caught offside 8 times in this game already. The last time that happened was midway through the 2020-21 season. 🏳️
GARNACHO GOAL. Utd pounce on poor pass by the visitors. Very Un-Unai of Villa. https://t.co/VE4uMqocSc
Manchester United have scored a goal! It'd been a while since that last happened... 👇 #MUNAVL https://t.co/bp9BHhMH4d
Man United have virtually only attacked on transition and long balls over the top. #AVFC have got to be more alert to turnovers and look after the ball better, especially with the atmosphere cranking up
This one does count. 2-1. Garnacho pulls one back. Emery covers his head after Carlos cheaply gives the ball away. #AVFC have been sloppy since the break, but almost score straight away after the restart through Bailey
If you’re Villa and 2-0 up why would you carry on playing this high a line and inviting the risk? It’s literally the only way United can hurt you. Just drop deep and secure the game?
Oustanding sweeping from Emi Martinez. Is quick off his line after Konsa doesn't see Rashford run behind him and #AVFC's offside trap breaks down. Strong but fair challenge. Still feel Villa have a few more gears to play at.
Unai Emery came out for the start of the second half and initially started standing in ten Hag's technical area. Was quickly reminded by Austin MacPhee. #AVFC
Man United 0-2 Aston Villa Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker strike early for the visitors... as Erik ten Hag endures nightmare start to first game since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's board arrival https://t.co/45avvOuQTV https://t.co/BHxqHsv4o2
#MUFC actually getting good openings by squeezing Villa in midfield + linking nicely or looking for quick passes in behind. But players unable to stay onside + making poor choices on ball. Two awful set pieces from defensive perspective the difference.
Aston Villa’s offside trap is nothing new to anyone except, apparently, Manchester United. Six offsides is most by a team in a single half this season (h/t @ThomHarris_)
That was 6 offsides provoked by Aston Villa in the first half, away at Manchester United. The last time that happened in a first half for Villa? Away at Manchester United (30th April).
Loud boos from #MUFC fans following their team's shambolic first-half display. They've been remarkably patient this season, not now. #AVFC better organised, managed and motivated. #MUNAVL
Some half-time reading for Erik ten Hag? Aston Villa's success with set pieces this evening should come as no surprise to anyone who read our feature. Tap below for The Trend ⬇️ https://t.co/R4QQTGCZK4
⏰ HT at Old Trafford Man United 0-2 Aston Villa 👀 What did you make of that half? 🤔
HT: Man United 0-2 #AVFC United rallied after Villa's 2nd, but Emery has come here with a lesson in tactical coaxing so far. In a mid-block, setting traps all over the place and attacking through transitions & midfield rotations. Difference in confidence & coordination is stark.
HT: Man United 0-2 #AVFC United rallied after Villa's 2nd, but Emery has come here with a lesson in tactical coaxing so far. In a mid-block, setting traps all over the place and attacking through transitions & midfield rotations. Difference is confidence & coordination is stark.
Aston Villa have scored twice against Manchester United, with both goals coming from set pieces — and it should come as no surprise: four months into Unai Emery’s tenure, 26 per cent of #AVFC's goals had come through dead balls. @J_Tanswell on Aston Villa's set piece thread ⬇️
Man United make shocking start as Aston Villa fans chant ‘sacked in the morning’ at Erik ten Hag More here 👇 https://t.co/NXfUb4eaIU
I don't think United have been that bad this game, but I also don't think they have improved throughout the half. Villa are just taking more and more unnecessary risks in possession.
Approaching half-time with United trying to build some momentum and rally back. #MUFC || #MUNAVL https://t.co/5l3vHT9nv2
Villa score two set pieces in a Premier League game for the first time since 18th March (3-0 vs Bournemouth). Things Austin McPhee loves to see...
United are trying to rally, but I tell you what, the space on the counter for Bailey and Watkins - if Villa can get that first pass right - is frightening. #AVFC
Leander Dendonckers it in off another dead ball. Aston Villa Set Piece Coach earning that Christmas bonus. 🎄 https://t.co/2GKZ82LUc8
Austin MacPhee's work so important. #AVFC specialist set-piece coach's imprint all over this terrific Villa performance. McGinn free-kick, then McGinn corner. #MUNAVL
#AVFC are absolutely running all over United with Old Trafford booing. Another set-play goal. Brilliant run from Lenglet to get round the back, with Konsa blocking Mainoo (who was marking Lenglet). His header is then turned in by Dendoncker.
#AVFC the only side in the Premier League not to have relinquished a lead this season. Villa look composed, structured and the space United are giving them is perfect in allowing them to paint their pretty patterns. Midfield rotations have been excellent
John McGinn scores the free kick from distance to put Villa 1-0 up at Old Trafford! #MUNAVL 📺 @USANetwork https://t.co/dOOO6UQiph
John McGinn's inswinging free-kick appears to have gone all the way in. United not happy with Bailey standing behind Onana initially before the set play was taken. But the goal was coming. #AVFC could build a house with the amount of space they're getting down both flanks.
That was so good 😂 hats off to Villa's set piece coach
Emery jumps up and down and waves his arms, jeeing up Bailey and Watkins - senses a huge opportunity for #AVFC down both flanks, with United's players looking at ten Hag wondering who is supposed to pick up Ramsey. The tension inside Old Trafford is palpable.
#AVFC fans shouting "ole" after the defence works the ball out from defence and under pressure really well. It is goalless and loose at times, but Villa are showing greater composure and the difference in confidence is noticeable - the first goal key
Both teams slightly sloppy with their passing into midfield. Digne and Ramsey have played loose passes when trying to find Luiz while #AVFC are having success locking man-to-man. Emery has gestured for Watkins to start wider on the left against Varane