Manchester United have ended a dire Premier League campaign with a win over Aston Villa.
After a strong performance that saw Manchester United create plenty of chances on Aston Villa’s goal, the Red Devils got back to winning ways thanks to a goal from Amad Diallo in the second half.
United suffered two injuries in the first half, which means the squad could be shortened for the pre-season tour of Asia. The second biggest talking point from the first 45 minutes came when Emiliano Martinez was sent off for running into Rasmus Hojlund and preventing a goalscoring opportunity.
Ultimately, this cost Aston Villa, who were hopeful of securing a Champions League spot, but they will be playing in the Europa League instead.
Villa had a goal disallowed for a foul on Altay Bayindir, though it’s likely to cause some controversy given Unai Emery’s reaction on the touchline.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo combined for the opening goal as United took the lead. The Red Devils won a penalty late on, which saw Christian Eriksen seal the win.
Here are five things we learned from the match.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot could miss post-season tour
Substituted in the 19th minute, Noussair Mazraoui was forced off after feeling a strain in his hamstring. His diagnosis will be unknown until tests are carried out, but it could mean that United travel to Asia for their post-season tour without the Morocco international.
Mazraoui has been a reliable force in United’s defence, playing multiple roles in his debut season after arriving from Bayern Munich. He’s had a good season and managed to make more appearances for United than any of his teammates.
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This makes Mazraoui a doubt for United’s post-season tour of Asia.
Despite replacing Mazraoui before the 20-minute mark, Diogo Dalot was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo at half-time, so there’s a chance the Portugal international could miss the post-season tour.
Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana left out of squad
The biggest story pre-match came from Ruben Amorim’s decision to leave Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana out of the squad to face Aston Villa.
It has already been reported that Amorim told Garnacho to find a new club in the summer, while there has been no shortage of speculation over Onana’s future amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
A lot of players could leave United in the summer, but there was no reason to rotate the team today since it was the final competitive game of the season.
Final appearances for some players
Although it has yet to be confirmed, Jonny Evans is set to leave United for a second time when his contract expires this summer, so he came off the bench to make his final appearance for the club.
Evans was not the only player to feature for United at Old Trafford for the last time. Victor Lindelof started in the back-three, while Eriksen came off the bench to replace Mason Mount.
Eriksen scored his first Premier League goal from the penalty spot as he signed off in style to make it 2-0.
There is also uncertainty over other players who started against Villa, such as Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.
Star duo combine for opening goal
Bruno Fernandes was voted United Player of the Year, but Amad was a close second when it comes to starring in a difficult campaign for the club.
Fernandes has been directly involved in 18 Premier League goals as he reached double figures for assists this season.
It was Amad’s 20th goal contribution of the season.
Man Utd finish 15th in the Premier League
United fans will be thankful that the 2024/25 season has come to an end with United breaching 40 points.
The Reds have climbed up one place from last week to finish 15th in the league table.
Amorim knows United need to improve on their league position next season and it’s a priority since there will be no European football.