Manchester United have just beaten Aston Villa 1 – 0 in the Premier League. Here are five things we learned from the fixture…
Bruno is integral to success
Bruno Fernandes is absolutely vital to Manchester United’s success. United look a completely different side when he’s on the pitch.
The Portuguese Magnifico’s strike was the difference today, but his work rate and all-around game were also sublime. His goal puts him up to six for the season in the Premier League now, but this may have been his most vital one yet – with this win putting European football within touching distance.
Victor Lindelof deserves more respect
The Swedish centre-half has been called upon amid a defensive injury crisis and he has been sublime in the fixtures he’s been partnered with Luke Shaw.
His undoubted highlight of the game was a goal-line clearance in the second half, which ensured United stayed ahead despite Villa dominating some patches of the game.
This ultimately begs the question as to whether it was simply Harry Maguire that was the problem. Lindelof barely puts a foot wrong. It makes you think whether he looked bad just as he was constantly covering for Maguire’s mistakes.
The Red Devils NEED a striker
This isn’t exactly news to anyone, but this game perfectly encapsulated just how desperately United need a competent goalscorer.
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The sheer amount of chances United created in comparison to the one goal we scored is simply not good enough and a clinical finisher would rectify this.
If Erik ten Hag‘s side wants to be taken seriously as a top-tier team next season, a striker is a necessity.
Our Brazilian was back to his best
Casemiro has looked a little off since returning from suspension. Many believe this is down to the fact he has become nervous to make aggressive challenges following his two hefty bans. This certainly wasn’t the case today.
The boisterous Brazilian dominated in midfield and conjured up a man-of-the-match performance against what was a strong Villa midfield.
Champions League football is on the horizon
This win now puts United 11 points clear of Tottenham Hotspur, with a game in hand. We don’t want to jump the gun, but this win is a huge step in securing a Champions League spot.
Amazing news for the club, as a huge transfer window is needed. The pull of a Champions League side is far greater than that of a Europa League club – so some attractive names could be coming in during the window.
We’ve also sorely missed Wednesday nights under the lights at Old Trafford. Fingers crossed they’ll return for the 2023/24 season.