In a match divided into two periods, Manchester United overcame a two-goal deficit to clinch a 3-2 victory against Aston Villa, prolonging the Red Devils’ undefeated streak at Old Trafford on Boxing Day to 20 games (with 17 wins and 3 draws).
Never having emerged victorious in six prior visits to Old Trafford,
faced what could be considered his best opportunity to break that streak with his high-performing Aston Villa team. In the midst of a fairly balanced start, Villa received an unexpected advantage with the opening goal. During the first half, a John McGinn free-kick into the box went untouched by both Villa and United players, landing in the net under peculiar circumstances.Throughout this season, Erik ten Hag’s United side had shown a tendency to concede goals in quick succession, as seen in recent losses to West Ham United and Bournemouth. This pattern persisted when McGinn delivered a corner into the box, finding Clément Lenglet unmarked at the back post. Lenglet headed it into the six-yard box, where Leander Dendoncker flicked it in, giving Villa a two-goal lead. Despite a strong response from United after the double setback, a Marcus Rashford shot that Emiliano Martínez easily saved was the closest they came in a disappointing first half, prompting boos at Old Trafford during halftime.
During the break, Ten Hag undoubtedly demanded a reaction from his players, and they nearly immediately reduced the deficit. A rapid counterattack saw Rashford break through and pass to Alejandro Garnacho, who rounded Martínez and slotted the ball in. However, after an extensive VAR review, the goal was disallowed for a narrow offside decision. United persisted, managing to score just before the hour mark. Bruno Fernandes won the ball on the halfway line, releasing Rashford, whose cross was tapped in by Garnacho. Ten minutes later, the Argentine found the net for the third time, capitalizing on a loose ball to level the score and set the stage for a tense final 20 minutes.
The Red Devils continued to press, and a Fernandes corner deflected off a Villa player, setting up Rasmus Højlund to volley home and ignite celebrations at Old Trafford, marking his inaugural Premier League goal. Højlund’s first league strike proved to be the winning goal for United, alleviating increasing pressure on Ten Hag ahead of their upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Emery will likely be disappointed with his Villa side for relinquishing a two-goal lead as they prepare to host Burnley at Villa Park on the same day.