Ruben Amorim (L), coach of Manchester United, speaks after their 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, May 25, 2025. /VCG
Ruben Amorim (L), coach of Manchester United, speaks after their 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, May 25, 2025. /VCG
Manchester United beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford in their final game of the 2024-25 Premier League season, finishing in 15th place, their lowest in the modern era and just three places above the relegation zone.
Both goals were scored in the second half, first by Amad Diallo with a header in the 76th minute and second by Christian Eriksen via a penalty kick in the 87th.
The victory ended United's eight-game winless streak, but does little to improve on what has otherwise been a disastrous season.
"I want to apologize for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and really disappointed with the team," United's coach Ruben Amorim said. "I want to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support during the season, and I know it was really hard in many games."
The 40-year-old Portuguese tried to give fans some hope by expressing his confidence in the club's future. "Now we have to make a choice or we stay stuck in the past because this season is in the past. It's over. We fight each other or we stick together and move forward," he said. "In my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you, 'The storm is coming.'"
United's win did not lift the mood of the home crowd, but caused Villa great damage, finishing 6th and losing out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season.
"The TV is clear with the move but of course we have to accept it," said furious Villa manager Unai Emery of Morgan Rogers' cancelled goal. "It was a mistake. A big mistake."
The top-five teams, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United, plus the UEFA Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur, will participate in the Champions League next season.