The main talking points as Man Utd ended their season at home to Aston Villa.
Ruben Amorim made three changes to his Manchester United line up for the final match of the season as Altay Bayindir, Victor Lindelof and Ayden Heaven came into the side that had lost the Europa League. It won’t count for much now, but it was a much better performance from United as they dominated the match against a side that needed to win to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Just about every player put in an improved performance from the Tottenham match, which isn’t a high bar to beat, though one of the brightest stars was Heaven in defence. The 18-year-old has surprised Amorim since he arrived from Arsenal in January and once again proved why he has a key role to play in the first-team next season.
The teenage centre-back not only carried out his defensive duties with confidence, he was also assured in possession of the ball and was not fazed by the physicality of the occasion. In a summer when so many defenders could leave, he sent a timely reminder of why he can replace them.
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Another player should have played his final game
The focus was all on Alejandro Garnacho when Manchester United faced Aston Villa on the final day of the season. He isn't the only player who should have played his final game for the club.
Ruben Amorim made three changes from the starting line up that lost the Europa League final, with Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw both absent due to injury. It highlighted how hard Yoro fought to be fit for the biggest game of the season, and also how fragile Shaw is after his late push into the line up.
Shaw has made just 19 league appearances across the last two seasons. He might be unfortunate when it comes to injury, but he is fortunate he plays for a club that keeps giving him a chance. The argument to keep Shaw was that when at his best he was one of the very best in the world, but there has been little evidence of that over the last calendar year. In a summer when seismic change is needed, United would make a genuine statement if they parted with a player who has had too many final chances.
Fierce fan protests
Manchester United supporters have protested the ownership of their club throughout the campaign and turned things up a notch for their final day meeting with Aston Villa.
Around 1,000 supporters marched down Sir Matt Busby Way towards Old Trafford and forced the temporary closure of the club's Megastore, perhaps the only way to truly get their message across to those in charge. The protests continued throughout the match, with anti-Glazer and anti-Ineos banners displayed across the stadium, while the usual venomous chants were also aired.
The latest protests might not do anything to change the decisions made at the top of the club, but they were a poignant parting gift ahead of another huge summer at Old Trafford. The verdict might be out on Ruben Amorim, but he isn't the biggest problem at the club.
Ruben Amorim message to fans
Ruben Amorim took the opportunity to apologise to Manchester United fans after what he labelled a ‘disastrous season.’ United finished 15th in the Premier League, without a trophy and without European football, though the head coach is confident the good days could still be on the horizon under his guidance.
“Six months ago in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw I said the storm is coming,” he said on the Old Trafford pitch. “Today after this disaster season I want to tell you the good days are coming. If there is one club that prove in the past that can overcome any situation any disaster it is our club it is Manchester United.”
A season without the distraction of European football could indeed be the perfect thing for United as they look to get back on track. The bad news, is that it also leaves them with a lot less room for error.
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