It was Scott McTominay’s late bullet header which secured Manchester United’s win over Aston Villa , as the Reds secured three vital points.
That was also MC Tomney’s eighth goal of the season, making this the best scoring campaign of his career to date. United had earlier taken a 17th-minute lead when Rasmus Hojlund scored for the fifth Premier League game in a row, before Villa made early second pressure pay with Douglas Luiz’s equaliser, netted with a quarter of the game left.
But Erik ten Hag had spoken ahead of kick-off about the importance of everyone stepping up again to continue recent momentum and that was the response that the players gave, pushing until the end to reclaim the lead.
Harry Maguire put in a big shift in both penalty areas, setting up Hojlund’s opener and defending resolutely at the other end, while there was another mature and assured performance in central midfield from Kobbie Mainoo – his eighth successive Premier League start. England manager Gareth Southgate was watching from the stands after speaking highly of the 18-year-old in recent days.
Making a really promising start, United were denied twice by inch-perfect defensive interventions from Villa centre-back Diego Carlos inside the opening 12 minutes. The first one cut out Alejandro Garnacho’s low cross bound for an unmarked Hojlund. Not long after, it was a last-ditch tackle from the Brazilian as the Reds’ Danish striker shaped to shoot after nicking possession himself on the edge of the Villa box and then being found by Bruno Fernandes.
Garnacho showed neat footwork with United’s next opportunity, cutting in from the right flank with a clever stepover and firing just wide from outside the box with his left foot. But we didn’t have to wait much longer to go ahead. As Fernandes’s corner came into the box, it was a magnificent leap from Harry Maguire at the far post, heading the ball back across goal where Hojlund was waiting unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box. Played onside by Ollie Watkins, it was a simple finish for a player absolutely flying with confidence. It was Hojlund’s goal, but Maguire was showered with plaudits from team-mates for his crucial role.
Andre Onana had experienced a quiet opening quarter of the game, but the United goalkeeper was called into important action twice in quick succession midway through the first half. Our number 24 showed strong hands to parry John McGinn’s powerful 20-yard drive behind for a corner. Then, he was both sharp off his line and brave in rushing out to close down Ollie Watkins after the Villa forward had been put through on goal by McGinn.
Looking for a way back, the hosts continued to attack and Jacob Ramsey looked a threat drifting in from their left. As the first half progressed, one such instance saw the Villa youngster prepare to unleash a shot from a dangerous position, but Maguire expertly closed him down to block. United then repeatedly closed ranks and shut the door to go into the break deservingly 1-0 ahead.
