Manchester United are on a real high right now after an unbeaten start to 2024.
Last night’s away game at Aston Villa was a pivotal fixture, with Unai Emery’s side eight points ahead going into the fixture.
A win for Villa would have extended that gap to 11 points. Instead, Manchester United’s away victory has slashed the gap to five.
Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay scored Manchester United’s goals, after assists from Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot.
Harry Maguire praised
Harry Maguire was brought back into the team as a replacement for Lisandro Martinez, who faces a spell out with injury.
Maguire was playing well late last year before picking up an injury of his own, and he was back to his best against Aston Villa.
He won the header which led to Rasmus Hojlund’s goal, the fifth the Dane has scored in his last five Premier League games.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Paul Merson praised Maguire after the game, telling Sky Sports he would want him on his team.
Merson said: “What I like about him is when he goes up for a corner, he goes to try and score.
“He puts his body on the line. I’m pleased for him. If I was playing next to him I’d want him in my team.”
Harry Maguire stats v Aston Villa
Harry Maguire competed for seven aerial duels against Aston Villa, and won all seven of them, a 100 per cent success rate.
He had 71 touches in total, winning three of four tackles he attempted.
Maguire also made five clearances, and one block, delivering the type of defensive performance Manchester United needed from him.
Along with Raphael Varane, the pair were excellent, while Andre Onana had one of his best performances in goal since he joined the club.
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
