Manchester United signed off their Premier League campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Head coach Ruben Amorim made headlines even before kick-off, making bold calls by excluding both Andre Onana and Alejandro Garnacho from the matchday squad.
The Red Devils flew out of the blocks, bossing possession and pinning Villa deep inside their own half throughout a dominant opening 45 minutes.
Villa’s afternoon went from bad to worse when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was shown a straight red card for clattering into Rasmus Hojlund outside the box after a dreadful back-pass from Matty Cash.
Amad Diallo gave United a deserved lead with a composed finish, expertly teed up by a delightful pass from captain Bruno Fernandes.
The woodwork denied United more than once, with Fernandes, Casemiro and Diogo Dalot all inches away from adding to the scoreline.
In what was his farewell appearance, Christian Eriksen stepped up with nerves of steel to convert a late penalty and wrap up the win.
Results elsewhere guaranteed that United would finish 15th in the league table.
Player Ratings
Altay Bayindir – 4/10
The Turkish international was a spectator for most of the game before committing a big mistake that showed why United must revamp their goalkeeping department. An untimely whistle from the referee helped him save his face.
Victor Lindelof – 7/10
The Swedish centre-back covered his ground well and made no errors in his last United display.
Harry Maguire – 8/10
This season has been about Maguire’s redemption and he capped it off with another accomplished performance.
Ayden Heaven – 8/10
The 18-year-old showed great composure and looks to be an interesting prospect for the next season. Rare quality recruitment, and that too for £1.5m, by the Red Devils.
Noussair Mazraoui – NA
Mazraoui suffered a hamstring injury and went off early in the game.
Patrick Dorgu – 7/10
The young wing-back displayed great defensive work when called upon and combined well with Mount in the final third.
Casemiro – 8/10
A brilliant performance in the midfield and got the license to attack after Villa went a man down. The Brazilian international hit the crossbar with his curling shot and helped his side choke the Villans.
Bruno Fernandes – 8/10
The United captain fired a few long-range strikes before putting a goal on the plate for Amad Diallo. He must be treated as untouchable in this fractured squad.
Mason Mount – 6/10
The Englishman tested Martinez twice in the opening three minutes and then delivered a teasing cross into the six-yard box.
Amad Diallo – 8/10
Diallo should have scored early on from Mount’s cross but redeemed himself with a fine finish to break the deadlock. He followed that by winning the penalty to put the game to bed.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5/10
Hojlund found the back of the net but from an offside position. Another evening for the Dane where he drew a blank.
Substitutions
Diogo Dalot – 6/10
Dalot hit the woodwork after some inspiring work on the right by Maguire. He was taken off at the interval with a possible injury.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5/10
Mainoo didn’t do enough to impress in an attacking role and he should worry about his United future.
Jonny Evans – 7/10
The 37-year-old was welcomed on the pitch with a rousing appreciation from the United faithful in potentially his last appearance as a professional footballer.
Christian Eriksen – 8/10
The veteran midfielder was just inches away from a free-kick goal before putting his side 2-0 up from the spot. A fitting farewell.
Chido Obi – NA
Too late to rate.