Five things learned as Manchester United fell to their second loss in ten games, falling short with a 2-1 loss against Aston Villa.
Rúben Amorim chose to start Manuel Ugarte in midfield amid Kobbie Mainoo’s injury as Manchester United travelled to face Aston Villa in a crunch Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.
The tie started with Matheus Cunha having an early shot fly wide, with Ayden Heaven and Senne Lammens called into action on the other side of the pitch.
United continued to create, with a few good chances landing in the way of Benjamin Šeško, but it was Villa’s Morgan Rogers who opened the scoring for the hosts. However, Cunha took advantage of poor defending just before the break to level the score at half-time.
Lisandro Martínez replaced Bruno Fernandes due to the latter’s injury, but it was Villa who retook their lead, once again through Rogers, just before 60 minutes. Amorim sent on Joshua Zirkzee and Jack Fletcher with 20 minutes to play.
Despite the further introduction of Shea Lacey for his debut, United failed to find their clinical edge, falling to a 2-1 loss on Sunday afternoon.
#1 – Creating chances, but not clinical
Although the half-time score showed an even split of a goal apiece, United certinaly created more than many would have expected, considering the losses of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad earlier this week, but they weren’t clinical.
Cunha’s goal just before half-time put a massive spin on what would have been a devastating blow for the Reds after 45 minutes, but unfortunately, in the second half, the trend continued.
Cunha himself had a great chance to equalise with a golden headed opportunity, but failed to do so, while
#2 – Losing Fernandes killed United’s pressure
Just before half-time, Fernandes pulled up with a hamstring injury and was replaced in midfield by centre-back Martínez, with Amorim having to take a massive gamble. United’s creativity dropped off a cliff after that.
Many of United’s best moves in the first half came from Fernandes’ pressure and risk-taking, and once he exited the field, United’s performance dried up.
At the same time, United’s creative burden fell to Mason Mount, who had an uncharacteristically poor second half, with wayward passes and poor crosses failing to find their man on too many occasions.
#3 – Ugarte clearly not up to speed
Ugarte was starting his second Premier League game this season, and it became immediately clear just how far below he was from Casemiro. With Mainoo also out, Ugarte was left to a fair amount of on-the-ball work, and he was subpar.
Once Fernandes came off, he collapsed further and eventually had to be taken off following a yellow card.
He’s been closely linked to a move to Turkey in January, and based on this performance, he hasn’t done much to convince Amorim to keep him.
#4 – Midfield transfer priority becomes even deeper
It’s been obvious for 18 months that United need new midfielders, but following all the issues with United’s middle of the park against Villa, it’s become almost a complete necessity to sign a new one in January.
Read More: Ruben Neves’ stance on January transfer revealed as Manchester United interested in £25m deal
United have been linked with a move for former Wolves midfielder Rúben Neves for a fee of around £25 million, and it’s a deal that must be completed as soon as possible.
Neves reportedly favours a move back to Europe, having spent the last few seasons in Saudi Arabia, and at 28, signing a Premier League-experienced Portuguese international for such a relatively nominal fee is a no-brainer.
#5 – Positive debuts, but missing players hurt United
Despite the loss, the silver lining United’s fans can take is the debuts of Lacey and Fletcher, which were somewhat positive.
However, when you’ve lost Casemiro, Fernandes, and Matthijs de Ligt to suspension and injury, while Amad and Mbeumo are also unavailable due to international commitments, it hurts.
On another day, with even just some of the above available, United would have been able to manage that second half better, but if they do not return soon, Amorim could be in trouble.
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