Moisés Caicedo: ‘My dream has always been to play for Manchester United‘
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have surged into title contention, having remained unbeaten since 12 December, when they were knocked out of the Champions League by RB Leipzig. United are just three points adrift of leaders Liverpool and boast a game in hand, although the defending champions have a large advantage on goal difference. Nevertheless, it has been a brilliant run for Solskjaer, whose position had once against come under scrutiny earlier in the campaign after an indifferent start. The head coach admitted victory against Wolves last time out, courtesy of a stoppage-time deflection, required more than a little fortune but they are now genuine contenders.
Aston Villa will provide a stern test of those credentials, though, with Dean Smith’s side enjoying a brilliant campaign after their relegation struggle last season. The Villans sit in fifth, just seven points adrift of Liverpool, and have two games in hand, with astute summer recruitment paying dividends as the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins continue to thrive. Villa will be confident of causing an upset, too, having gone unbeaten last month while holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw last time out. Follow all the action live below:
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
United just about got over the line, in the end. They should’ve been out of sight mid-way through the second half, as they were in full control of proceedings, but failed to add a third after a gluttony of chances.
This gave Villa hope, and you could almost see the script being written – a late equaliser to deny United. And Villa did have chances, but David De Gea was in inspired form, as was Eric Bailly.
A thoroughly enjoyable game, especially considering the dirge of Everton vs West Ham that came before.
United now firmly in second place in the table.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 22:02
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
93’: Superb save from De Gea from a Cash long-distance strike.
The Spaniard could’ve just won this game for United.
Villa piling on the pressure now.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:57
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
90’: Five minutes of injury time!
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:54
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
89’: Villa look more likely to score than the home side too.
Can they snatch a draw at Old Trafford?
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:52
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
87’: And off comes United’s creator-in-chief Fernandes.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:50
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
85’:The home side have lost all of their earlier momentum, and now Villa look more threatening.
Will they regret not taking one of their chances?
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:49
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
83’: Real chance for Villa, but Tyrone Mings heads wide from a Grealish free-kick.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:47
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
79’: Will United rue missing all of these chances? It’s still only 2-1, and one chance from Villa could change everything.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:42
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
78’: Fernandes’ shot from the edge of the area is tipped onto the bar by Martinez.
United upping the tempo here.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:40
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 ASTON VILLA
77’: Chance for Villa. Grealish dinks in a lovely curled cross from the right-hand side. The cross is met by Watkins, but his header goes wide.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:39
