Manchester United missed the chance to move into the top four after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
Premier League
Result: Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United
Date: 06 November 2022
Venue: Villa Park
Man United were without Bruno Fernandes due to suspension and Donny van de Beek took his place while Harry Maguire dropped to the bench as Cristiano Ronaldo captained the side.
Villa's new manager Unai Emery dropped former Manchester United left-back Ashley Young in favour of Lucas Digne, in his first game in charge.
The hosts had a bright start as Leon Bailey gave them the lead on seven minutes with a cracking low strike across goalkeeper David de Gea after going through on goal in the box from a defence-splitting pass by Jacob Ramsey.
United were not allowed to settle as Digne doubled Villa's lead four minutes later with a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box that looped over the wall and sneaked past De Gea at his near post.
Erik ten Hag's charges struggled to put together passes going forward but Ronaldo had their first chance ten minutes before the break with a header at the back post that was smothered by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from close range.
The Red Devils gained momentum after that and reduced the deficit on the stroke of half-time fortuitously after Luke Shaw's volley on the edge of the box took a big deflection off Ramsey and wrong-footed Martinez.
However, United had another bad start in the second stanza as Ramsey redeemed a two-goal cushion for Emery's troops four minutes in with a clinical finish towards the top corner after a cut-back by Ollie Watkins found him unmarked in the box.
The Red Devils could not get into rhythm of the game going forward and Ten Hag made a double attacking change on 65 minutes, as Anthony Martial replaced Van de Beek and Anthony Elanga came on Alejandro Garnacho.
United started threatening after that in the closing stages, with the fresh legs of Martial and Elanga on either wing reviving their attack.
However, Villa defended in numbers and managed the game well knocking the ball around, as Emery got his reign off to a perfect start with a big win that took them three points clear of the relegation zone while the Red Devils remained in fifth spot on the table.
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