Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, 21 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Aston Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 at home. The first half saw Villa take the lead just before the break when Morgan Rogers scored in the 45th minute, assisted by John McGinn, but Manchester United equalised quickly through Matheus Cunha in the 45+3rd minute, assisted by Patrick Dorgu. The game remained tight until the second half, where Rogers netted his second in the 57th minute, assisted by Ollie Watkins, to restore Villa’s advantage. Coming off a run of five straight league wins, including this one, Villa looked composed and made the most of their chances despite United’s pressure.

Manchester United pushed for an equaliser after the hour mark but couldn’t break through, with substitutions like Lisandro Martínez replacing Bruno Fernandes at half-time and later changes failing to turn the tide. Villa managed the game well, bringing on fresh legs such as Lucas Digne for Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen for Ollie Watkins in the 75th minute to shore up their defence. United’s recent form of mixed results, including a draw and a loss in their last two, showed in their inability to convert possession into goals, leaving them frustrated at full time.

Manchester United controlled the ball with 57% possession compared to Aston Villa’s 43%, suggesting they dictated much of the play, but Villa were more clinical in attack. The visitors also led in successful dribbles at 44 to 23, indicating they were more effective at beating defenders and creating opportunities on the break, while corners were even at five each, showing both sides generated set-piece threats. Villa recorded two assists to United’s one, highlighting their better teamwork in the final third, though United’s higher dribble count pointed to individual flair that didn’t pay off.

Discipline saw Villa pick up one yellow card late on, while United had two, reflecting a scrappier approach from the away side. Substitutions were used fully by Villa with five changes, including Lamare Bogarde coming on for Boubacar Kamara in the 88th minute, helping them see out the win, whereas United made four, such as Joshua Zirkzee replacing Manuel Ugarte in the 73rd minute to chase the game. No red cards or penalties were involved, keeping the match straightforward without major disruptions.

The game’s turning points came around half-time, with Morgan Rogers opening the scoring for Aston Villa in the 45th minute from John McGinn’s assist, only for Matheus Cunha to level for Manchester United in the 45+3rd minute via Patrick Dorgu’s setup. Rogers then struck again in the 57th minute, assisted by Ollie Watkins, to give Villa a lead they held onto. Key substitutions included Lisandro Martínez replacing Bruno Fernandes for United at the 46th minute, while Villa made double changes in the 75th minute with Lucas Digne coming on for Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen for Ollie Watkins.

Disciplinary moments added tension, with Manuel Ugarte booked for United in the 68th minute and Diogo Dalot following in the 72nd. Villa’s Lamare Bogarde received a yellow in the 90+2nd minute after coming on as a late substitute. Further changes like Evann Guessand replacing John McGinn and Emiliano Buendía for Amadou Onana in the 84th minute helped Villa manage the closing stages effectively.

Aston Villa lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Morgan Rogers playing a key role in the attacking midfield, linking well with Ollie Watkins up front and John McGinn in support to create scoring chances. Partnerships like Rogers and Watkins proved decisive, combining for the second goal, while midfielders such as Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara provided stability before their late substitutions.

Manchester United set up in a 3-4-2-1 shape, relying on players like Matheus Cunha to lead the attack, supported by wing-backs and midfielders including Manuel Ugarte before his substitution. The defensive trio allowed for midfield pushes, with Bruno Fernandes starting in an advanced role before being replaced by Lisandro Martínez at half-time, aiming to bolster the backline.

Morgan Rogers was Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match after his brace secured the win for Aston Villa, scoring both goals without registering any assists, big chances created or key passes. His timely finishes in the 45th and 57th minutes stood out, showing sharp positioning and composure under pressure to make the difference in a closely fought game.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Manchester United (H)
• Win: 3-2 vs West Ham United (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Arsenal (H)
• Win: 4-3 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Aston Villa (A)
• Draw: 4-4 vs AFC Bournemouth (H)
• Win: 4-1 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs West Ham United (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Crystal Palace (A)

Aston Villa have just beaten Manchester United 2-1, extending their winning streak to five league games and sitting third on 36 points. They next face Chelsea on 27 December 2025 at 17:30, with the opponents currently fourth on 29 points, making it a crucial clash to maintain their push for the top spots and potentially widen the gap over teams chasing European places.

Manchester United have just lost 2-1 to Aston Villa, adding to their mixed recent form of one win, two draws and now two losses in their last five league outings, leaving them seventh on 26 points. They next play Newcastle United on 26 December 2025 at 20:00, with the opponents 11th on 23 points, offering a chance to bounce back and climb towards the European qualification spots before the gap widens further.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.