Aston Villa's Champions League dreams turned into a nightmare as they saw a controversial VAR decision go against them at the "Theatre of Dreams" on the final day of the season
18:29, 25 May 2025
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim's side won on the final day of the season(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Aston Villa's Champions League hopes turned into a nightmare at the 'Theatre of Dreams'.
And Unai Emery's men only had themselves to blame. Not just because they lost to one of the worst Manchester United sides in living memory.
But also because Emiliano Martinez decided to get himself sent-off on the stroke of half time, after flattening Rasmus Hojlund when he was clean through on goal - who Amorim took the bold move of starting.
And as the Argentine disappeared down the tunnel in what could be his final Villa game, so did his side's chances of returning to European football's elite competition.
Which will be a huge blow to Emery, having led his team to the quarter finals of the competition this season. But when it comes to disappointment this season, no-one comes close to matching United.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa controls the ball whilst under pressure from Casemiro of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Aston Villa were hoping to secure Champions League football(Image: Getty Images)
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Ruben Amorim found himself apologising to fans both before and after the game. A damning indication of how low United had sunk. And this all felt like the final pitiful act of a shameful season.
United's last game, but first one since a Europa League final defeat which promises to have catastrophic consequences for the fallen giants. Amorim's flops were subjected to a lap of honour after the final whistle. But it was more like a walk of shame.
Because even second half goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen couldn't come close to making up for what has gone before.
Manchester United's Christian Eriksen scores their side's second goal of the game from a penalty during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Christian Eriksen scored the second from the spot(Image: PA)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to bail out. He was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps the prospect of witnessing even more protests was too much for him. But for once, this afternoon wasn't about United.
There are no more words left with which to describe just how bad United have been. It was all about Villa and their bid to secure Champions League qualification, while stamping out the dying embers of United's campaign to boot.
The last time United actually won a league game was back in March. And we were now on the brink of summer. Yet while the occasion should have felt like a wake, United broke with tradition and played some decent football.
Martinez denied Mason Mount with two great saves in quick succession. He then saved shots from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. Diallo shot a whisker wide, before Diogo Dalot rattled the post with another effort.
Villa appeared to have stage fright and were alarmingly lacklustre, considering what was at stake. And their afternoon went from bad to worse when Martinez had his moment of madness to see red.
Perhaps Martinez should have let Hojlund run round him, because he probably would have missed anyway. The Danish drain wasted a golden chance to end the tedium before the hour mark, but his first touch was more like a pass.
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It felt fitting United were closing out the campaign by struggling to beat 10 men. Then there was hope for Villa, when news filtered through that Everton had gone ahead against Newcastle.
And Villa should have been awarded a goal when Morgan Rogers dispossessed Robin Olsen to score, but referee Thomas Bramall decided the substitute keeper had control of the ball, even though replays suggested he didn't.
And a few minutes later Diallo headed home a Fernandes cross, before Christian Eriksen converted from the spot, to leave Villa losing out on fifth place to Newcastle on goal difference. And Emery heartbroken on the sidelines.