New Aston Villa manager Unai Emery got off to a dream start to the job as his side won 3-1 against Manchester United at Villa Park on Sunday. Tonight the teams met again – this time at Old Trafford in the League Cup.
First half? Not much other than an offside party where United’s forward line competed to see who could be waved off the most times. Marcus Rashford took the award for worst offender.
Otherwise, not much of value happened and both the debuting United keeper Martin Dubravka and Villa’s Swedish cage keeper had a calm and pleasant time.
United rose quickly
Aston Villa, on the other hand, got the second one off to a flying start. Ollie Watkins ran free and coolly lifted in 1-0. The goal could possibly have been blown away for one hand in the opening stages, but as you know, there is no VAR at this stage of the league cup.
However, United responded in a flash. In the ensuing attack, the home team equalized when a deep-running Bruno Fernandes served up Anthony Martial’s open goal. The Frenchman made no mistake and made it 1-1. Only 19 seconds separated the goals.
The away team would regain the lead. Ashley Young’s cross found Leon Bailey’s forehead. The Jamaican tried to head it towards the penalty area but instead hit the leg of United defender Diogo Dalot, who unluckily steered the ball into his own goal.
Erik ten Hag responded with a triple substitution where, among others, Anthony Elanga was replaced and thus there were four Swedes on the pitch.
It gave results. Substitute Christian Eriksen worked the ball forward to Marcus Rashford, who equalized to make it 2–2.
Olsen big scapegoat
The match waved back and forth as Robin Olsen would step into the action. First as a shot stopper when Bruno Fernandes tried along the ground and Harry Maguire in the air. Later as a real scapegoat.
Olsen got the ball on his feet and would pass a defender. However, the pass was completely unsuccessful and only reached United’s teenager Alejandro Garnacho. He released Bruno Fernandes who comfortably made it 3-2 to the home team.
Garnacho would once again act as a forward when he found Scott McTominay with a fantastic lyre in the penalty area. The Scot scored 4–2 and United were thus further in the league cup.
Next up is a final league match for both teams before going on a World Cup break. United face Fulham away on Sunday while Villa also play away to Brighton earlier in the day.