Peter Crouch has admitted that he was left stunned by a moment of “real class” from two Manchester United players against Aston Villa.
Manchester United’s shocking Premier League season has ended on something of a high following a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. The result saw United secure 15th place, their lowest-ever Premier League finish.
Ruben Amorim’s side mustered a dominant performance, with 64% possession and 10 shots on target to Villa’s one. United could have easily scored even more if it wasn’t for Emi Martínez’s performance prior to being sent off for a foul on Rasmus Højlund.
The game marked the end for several players United careers including Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and one of today’s goal scorers, Christian Eriksen. Amorim gave regular penalty taker Bruno Fernandes permission to allow Eriksen to take the penalty to cap off his final United game with a goal.
Despite all of United’s chances the team was once again lacking in the final third and it took a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock.
Crouch impressed by Bruno and Amad’s “real class” moment
At full-time, there was much to discuss following the VAR drama and the denial of a Villa goal in the second half, but former England striker Peter Crouch was focused on United’s opening effort.
In the 76th minute, Fernandes lifted the ball across the penalty box for Amad’s header to send it into the back of the net.
“We can get hung up on the decision, but I mentioned that they fully deserved it,” Crouch commented on TNT Sports.
“I thought that was a moment of real class. Bruno… Bruno Fernandes, such a tidy player, and he puts it right on the sixpence. Great finish from Amad, great finish in the back post.”
Amad and Fernandes have been two of United’s standout players this season, with 19 and 34 goals in all competitions, respectively.
The goal was something that had been seen from both players before. Since joining the club, Fernandes has often picked out players with superb assists, and Amad’s finish will have reminded fans of his first goal for the club, a header in the Europa League against AC Milan back in 2021.
The good days are coming, says Amorim
After the game Amorim gave a rallying cry to the Old Trafford faithful, announcing that “the good days are coming”. Today’s performance and Amads goal in particular may be a sign of the good things to come.
The qualities of Amorim’s system were on full display today, with both goals coming when Fernandes and Eriksen operated in the two attacking midfield positions and Amad and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu played as attacking wing-backs.
Some in the media had doubted that Amorim’s preferred formation was attacking enough to compete, but the threat that Amad has repeatedly posed in that position will have alleviated some doubt.
The performance on Sunday afternoon displayed just how attacking this system can be. Despite the goals coming when Eriksen was involved, the team played just as well when Mason Mount was in the role.
Amorim will likely be spoilt for choice in this position next season with Joshua Zirkzee becoming more comfortable in the role and with the likely imminent arrival of Wolves talisman Matheus Cunha.
If Amorim brings in another striker or if Højlund can find the confidence that he displayed in the Champions League last season, then the club is certain to improve its goalscoring in the 2025/26 campaign. The attacking midfielders and wing-backs are starting to create a lot of chances, and a few more signings could see the good days arrive.
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