Manchester United beat Aston Villa to end their losing streak. The turnaround was provided by a young attacking duo

Football Boxing Day in England concluded with a duel of teams in different states of mind. However, Aston Villa, as the third team in the Premier League table, couldn’t keep the two-goal lead. Manchester United, who have been struggling lately, turned the score around in the second half thanks to two goals from the 19-year-old Garnach and a winning strike from the year older Højlund.

Eriksen sent the first shot on target in the 11th minute from outside the sixteen, but his half-volley was easily dealt with by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. And ten minutes later, he and his teammates were able to celebrate the leading goal.

From the touchline on the right, John McGinn took a standard situation and in the end it was he who was the goal scorer. His centre, unchecked, went past the defending players and goalkeeper André Onana and into the net.

In the 27th minute, it was 0-2 at Old Trafford as the Red Devils failed to watch Lenglet’s run to the back post from an opposition corner. The French stopper headed the ball into the box to Leander Dendoncker, who made no mistake.

The home side tried to respond in the remainder of the first half, but their attacks did not lead to success. In the 36th minute, for example, a fierce Rashford shot was parried by Martínez. The 26-year-old striker then narrowly missed the target on a breakaway just before the break. In addition, Manchester United were hit by numerous offsides.

Two minutes after the break, the crowded stands at the Theatre of Dreams were treated to a goal that did not last long. Garnach’s goal after a quick counter-attack was disallowed by VAR due to another offside.

Nevertheless, the visiting coach had to deal with one complication at that moment, and that was a forced change in his team’s defensive line. The injured Lucas Digne was replaced by Alex Moreno in the 50th minute. He was already on the field for the reducing shot.

The United players won the ball in their rivals’ half and after passes from Fernandes and Rashford, the ball went into the penalty area to Alejandro Garnacha, who managed to ease Manchester’s deficit in the 59th minute. Immediately afterwards, Onana notched an important save against Bailey’s awkward attempt.

The talented youngster also equalised in the 71st minute to make it 2-2. Garnacho, who had the ball deflected to him in the box, gave Martínez no chance with the help of a cross. The Villans could have scored immediately after this goal, but they failed again. McGinn’s shot was blocked by Evans.

In the 82nd minute, the Red Devils completed the turnaround to 3-2. Fernandes’ corner kick deflected off a defender in the sixth minute and found Rasmus Højlund, who scored his first Premier League goal with a deft volley. Aston Villa were subsequently unable to salvage a point during the nine-minute set-up.

After losing a well played game, the Birmingham representatives can make up for it on Saturday against a team from the other end of the table. The third-placed team in the league standings will challenge penultimate-placed Burnley at Villa Park.

Manchester United ended a four-match wait for a win and a goal and moved into sixth place at least until Thursday’s London derby between Arsenal and West Ham. Erik ten Hag’s charges will play Nottingham in the next round.

Source: Premier League, Canal+ Sport