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Rogers scores stunner to put Villa in front; Cunha levels from Cash error before Rogers curls in second
Fernandes off injured for Man Utd at half time
Villa on 10-match winning run in all competitions
Unai Emery's side sit third in table, three points off leaders Arsenal
Image source, Getty Images
Image source, Getty ImagesAn early Christmas present for Aston Villa fans as they keep their impressive winning run going.
That's all from us - remember that Match of the Day will be on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 22:30 GMT tonight.
Goodbye!
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
Villa's last game of the season is away at Man City - I'm calling it now, TITLE DECIDER!
William, Edinburgh
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "If you look to all of the game we controlled the game, we played well, we create our chances, and two moments from one player decide the game. We tried to press high. Every time into Martinez we tried to press, we left our players one against one in behind - of course we cannot block every second ball off transition but we played well. I think the best team today lost.
"The amount of times that we reached near the box with space and time in a good situation to score, we are doing that. That was no different to the last game, so we are being consistent on that. I think we defended well today against a very good team. We did a good game but in the end it doesn't matter because we lost.
"Bruno has an injury that we need to assess, I think he's not going to play for a few games but we'll see. Last year we had the same situation at this time so it is not going to kill us, it is going to make us stronger. The kids did well today, and we have to work with the players that we have, no excuses, and try to win the next one.
"Sometimes as a manager you want to protect the kids and put them in situations where they are not going to suffer too much. Today we needed them, they did really well. They are going to improve, that is a good point today, but again we need to win games.
"I'm really careful with the kids. The way you do with your kids and I do with mine, it is not just good things. You also need to say different things in different moments. I just want to help the kids like they are my kids. I have a big responsibility here and sometimes I have to say what I think they need, not what I think they want [to hear]."
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United
Sue Smith
Former Leeds and England forward on BBC Radio 5 Live at Villa Park
You cannot say that they're not in a title race because they just keep doing it. We keep saying they've got a test, they've got another test, they've got another test but they just keep passing them.
It's absolutely outstanding for Aston Villa and yes, they are, aren't they?
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
More from Aston Villa boss Unai Emery to Sky Sports on what is realistic for Villa this season: "The realistic is the capacity and potential and we have played a lot of team like Arsenal and Manchester City. Of course we beat them here, but they have massive things tactically with players on a high level. And we have as well but to be a contender in front of them is our reality where is not.
"We are not contender. We are here because we are competing fantastic. The players are really focusing each match with what we are trying to set and being consistent. But we are not contender to be there.
"Of course we are being consistent in more or less three years, and getting into European positions, but we must continue to be humble. And understanding how we can get points like we did. We want to keep the same level by being intelligent, competitive, consistent and demanding. Through it we are here."
On Morgan Rogers and his team's second-half performance: "He was not performing very well in the first half! He scored a good goal but he was not performing very well. We spoke about individually increasing our focus to get better and in the second half we did much better. At half-time I was not happy [with him] because I am ambitious myself. I share my ambitions with them and my demand.
"Of course the players were performing but we weren't focused enough. We weren't facing them, or getting duels like we planned and needed. The second half we were better. Today was a matter of playing forward because they wanted us to pass back so they could press us and create difficulties."
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to BBC Match Of The Day: "It was a very hard win but a fantastic win. Of course, Villa Park is our fortress. We need the supporters here and how they transmit energy, and support. And how we are being resilient and competing in the difficult moments like we did today. But as well showing our capacity to react, showing our capacity to use our compete individually through different players. Overall we did a fantastic job to try to get our structure tactically."
On Rogers calling him a genius: "He's a fantastic guy. A fantastic player. Because he loves football. He loves work. He's a hard worker and he's increasing his level professionally to a high level. Of course we are proud of everything and I am happy with him.
"Now we have the next match and the next challenge and it is Chelsea, and a difficult match away. How we are responding and feeling good, this is the way we are building. Every player is helping us with their qualities, their commitment and their attitude is very important. For the rest of the season to keep this consistency we need a lot of players to be how they are. We can rest now and enjoy time with family, but we also think about Chelsea."
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
More from Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers speaking to BBC Match of the Day:
On manager Unai Emery: "The manager's a genius. He knows what he is doing and knows how to get out of situations - he's ben in them plenty of times. The enthusiasm and the way he is stems through to us and then we have that belief and that buzz to our performances. That is what he tries to do and we try and take it on board and it's a perfect combination."
On his goals: "I need a few goals a few different ways. I don't want to rely on one type of finish all the time because they won't always go in. But it's nice to get goals like that."
On England: "I just focus on myself and try to improve. Find my form, find my best level every game and see where that takes me. There's a whole heap of quality out there and I'm just trying to compete. I'm just giving my all."
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm very happy. Our supporters should be proud of everything we are doing together because the energy is very important. How they transmit the energy, how they are helping us here to feel Villa Park is out fortress.
"It's really fantastic. And then compete, compete. Sometimes we can't dominate, sometimes we must defend. We must be resilient which we need today well. But being resilient, taking our time, with our qualities, overall we must be proud of everything we are doing. But first have issues and of course be realistic.
"After those three points of course we are taking advantage but still a lot of work to do. We are building the team in different ways. Of course the mentality is very important. This is through our mentality. We must understand how much team we are facing and how we can compete, stopping them. Our capacity too, tactically. We need our structure defensively and offensively to get good positions. Then our qualities. With our supporters helping us. The energy was important as well. "
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was a tough game. They are a really good team in a really good moment especially away from home. I don't think we were at our best, far from it, but we found a way to win and that's the most important thing. Picking up points, winning games at home, in front of our crowd - it means a lot.
"We're in a really good moment. We feel really confident. As a team we go out there thinking we can win every game. As a professional there is nothing better than going out there with that confidence, it's the best tool to have. We are in a good moment right now."
On what caused the turnaround from the start of the season: "Just sticking true to us. That is the most important thing. We did what we always do. Nothing changed but we just worked that little bit harder, honed the details a little bit more, and gave that littlee bit more as a team. We stick together as a unit and there's no surprise that you see it in the results.
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Paul Merson
Former Arsenal midfielder speaking on Sky Sports
Sometimes the team don't play well but you need that person to do something special. I think personally Morgan Rogers' second goal was better than his first.
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Roy Keane
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder on Sky Sports
The past few months Rogers been outstanding and you've been thinking can he keep it up? And he has.
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Gary Neville
Former Manchester United defender on Sky Sports
It's been a great day for Aston Villa, but most of all for Rogers. He was the difference maker with two great goals. There wasn't much between the teams, very even. Two special goals from a very special player.
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Paul Merson
Former Arsenal midfielder speaking on Sky Sports
Teams win the Premier League but you have to have X factors in your team to help you win games out of nothing. Villa weren't great today and Morgan Rogers was the game changer.
Image source, Getty ImagesClick 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
Morgan Rogers is the best player in English football right now.
James, Sully
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, speaking to Sky Sports: "We had good moments in the game. We kept pressing them high and knew they wanted to play long and if we won the second ball we could control the game. I think we did it quite well in the first half with one or two chances.
"They had a great first goal and credit to Morgan Rogers, it was a great goal. The second half we tried to do the same things. On the ball we were comfortable and could have tried to find the spaces in behind because they had a quite high line.
"We did enough to score more goals. We couldn't take the chances we had and that's overall [story] for today."
On losing Bruno Fernandes: "It's massive. We don't know how bad it is but for him to come off, we know how tough he is. Hopefully it's not too bad and we keep with him for the next games.
"This is the time that opportunities come for other players and the time you step up and show you deserve to be in the team and play more minutes. I think that's how the players who get opportunities should look at it. We are Manchester United and we have to find a way to win."
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
Proud of United put in a shift with a scratch team and deserved something from the game, they were the better team - got to keep trusting the process.
Alan, Devon
I can accept losing when a few United principles are upheld. Playing attacking football, trusting the academy players and fighting until the end. Manager is starting to get it.
Chris, Urmston
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
More from Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim speaking to Sky Sports: "We need to prepare all the guys that we have for the next game. We cannot use anything as an excuse. No one is going to remember these problems, so let's cope with that. It will make us stronger.
"I saw from the beginning of the season a team that is going forward, but sometimes relax a little bit and sometimes is not there in the right moment to fight. Today was completely the opposite, we were the better team against a team that is strong at home and in a very good run. We were really unlucky today."
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Image source, PA MediaManchester United boss Ruben Amorim speaking to Sky Sports: "I think we were the better team today. We were unlucky, even with the injury of Bruno, but during the game even without him we were the better team. We blocked the transitions quite well and they did really well. We did a very good job that no one is going to remember tomorrow because what matters is the result.
"We already knew that Aston Villa play with everybody inside and we needed to overload that situation. We have been training like that. We did different options, we can use different starting elevens depending on the game, so we are improving. Again I think we deserved so much more today but the better team did not win."
On Fernandes' injury: "It is really strange. During this year, especially at this time, we have so many problems, but we have to cope with that. I think Fletcher did his first game, so that is good news, Lacey the same, so we will try to find solutions and go for the next game.
"I am a manager for six years and even Sporting is all about the academy, so it's about the history. Every manager wants to bring players through from the academy and not spend money because this gives value to the manager. I just want to win and want to be certain that the players that come in from the academy are not going to suffer too much. I'm just trying to help the club, it doesn't matter if it's from the academy or abroad.
"I think it's soft tissue [Fernandes injury] so it's going to be a while. We'll see."
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United
Chris Sutton
Former Premier League striker on BBC Radio 5 Live 606
I tell you what, why not Aston Villa for the Premier League title? If you're a Villa fan, why not dream?
FT: Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd
Here's how the table looks after this weekend's games.
Can Aston Villa win the title?
Image source, BBC SportAt a glance
Villa's Morgan Rogers opens scoring with sixth goal in six league games
Matheus Cunha capitalises on Matty Cash error to level before half-time
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes goes off injured at half-time
Rogers puts Villa back in front with replica of his first effort
Villa move to within three points of leaders Arsenal
Morgan Rogers struck twice as Aston Villa extended their winning run to 10 matches in all competitions, their best run as a top-flight club since 1914, by beating Manchester United at Villa Park.
On a day when Unai Emery's side were not at their best, in-form Rogers put them ahead with a curling shot into the corner a minute before the break.
After Matheus Cunha had capitalised on a Matty Cash error to level, Rogers stepped inside United defender Leny Yoro a second time before curling a replica effort over Senne Lammens for his sixth goal in as many league games.
Emery reacted by ripping his coat off and throwing it into the air as his side recorded only their second win in 27 home Premier League games against United and moved to within three points of leaders Arsenal.
It was a bad day for United head coach Ruben Amorim, who lost talisman Bruno Fernandes to injury at half-time, and was already without six senior players through a combination of injury, suspension and Africa Cup of Nations duty before Kobbie Mainoo pulled out pre-game with a calf problem.
That misery was only magnified when Fernandes pulled up towards the end of the first half and suggested he had hurt his hamstring.
Although the United skipper continued to the break, he did not reappear for the second period and was walking very gingerly as he made his way slowly to the dug-out, suggesting he is set for an extended period on the sidelines.
It has come at the worst possible time, just as their squad is being stretched, with youngsters Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey both making their debuts as substitutes in the second half and Cunha heading United's best chance to equalise wide from six yards.
Man Utd face up to 'massive' loss of injured Fernandes
'The best team today lost' - Amorim
Fernandes has been at the centre of such huge debate in United circles recently.
Whether it be Amorim's decision to play him in a deeper role and pitching him in direct competition with Mainoo – leading to the popular local boy's lack of minutes – or the recent comments about being "hurt" at feeling senior people at Old Trafford would have been happy for him to accept the massive offer to join the Saudi Pro League, the debate around the Portuguese is fierce.
What is never questioned is his ability and influence on this United team.
Up to today, there had only been four matches this season in which Amorim's side had scored that Fernandes had failed to either find the net himself or get an assist.
No-one really knows how United would do without him because he hardly ever misses a game.
In his entire time at the club he has missed two games through injury, because of a knee problem in 2023-24 that was managed to ensure he could play in the FA Cup final, and one other occasion because he was ill.
Even with a three-week absence, he would miss five games at precisely the same time as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
On Friday, Amorim insisted United would not try to buy players in January just to cover players who are out. After this, he might need to revise that view.
Emery elated with 'fantastic' Aston Villa win
Rogers is spearheading Aston Villa's title challenge.
Another spectacular double saw Emery lose his usual cool to celebrate on the sidelines but he will not be the only one ready to realise Villa's potential this season.
Emery has nurtured Rogers and taken him to another level and he is one who continues to prove his value.
Emery was the driving force to sign the 23-year-old and, having turned him into a key England player under Thomas Tuchel, he is also one of the stars of the Premier League season.
The forward has seven goals this season - scoring in victories against Tottenham, Leeds and West Ham prior to United - and is Villa's top scorer and talisman.
The problem Villa will have, and have admitted to, is they will still need to sell at least one talent next summer.
Rogers is first on that list, ahead of Boubacar Kamara, and a good World Cup will only increase the bids and bidders.
Villa's £16m outlay - having signed Rogers from Middlesbrough in 2024 - looks like one of the bargains of the recent Premier League era.
His growing influence at Villa has spearheaded their challenge for a return to the Champions League and, regardless of Emery's denials, a title challenge.
Aston Villa are next in action on Saturday, 27 December in the Premier League at Chelsea (17:30 GMT). Manchester United are involved in the only top-flight game on Boxing Day and entertain Newcastle at Old Trafford (20:00 GMT).
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 31 | 10 | 21 | 39 |
| |
| 17 | 12 | 1 | 4 | 41 | 16 | 25 | 37 |
| |
| 17 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 27 | 18 | 9 | 36 |
| |
| 17 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 29 | 17 | 12 | 29 |
| |
| 17 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 28 | 25 | 3 | 29 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 17 | 2 | 27 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 31 | 28 | 3 | 26 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 21 | 19 | 2 | 26 |
| |
| 17 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 23 | 2 | 24 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 18 | 20 | -2 | 24 |
| |
| 17 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 23 | 22 | 1 | 23 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 24 | 25 | -1 | 23 |
| |
| 17 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 26 | 23 | 3 | 22 |
| |
| 17 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 26 | 29 | -3 | 22 |
| |
| 16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 23 | 26 | -3 | 20 |
| |
| 17 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 24 | 31 | -7 | 19 |
| |
| 16 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 17 | 25 | -8 | 18 |
| |
| 17 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 19 | 35 | -16 | 13 |
| |
| 17 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 19 | 34 | -15 | 11 |
| |
| 17 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 9 | 37 | -28 | 2 |
|
Manager:Unai Emery
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Ruben Amorim
Formation:3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Manager:Unai Emery
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Ruben Amorim
Formation:3 - 4 - 2 - 1
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | Manchester United |
2' | Manchester United |
3' | Manchester United |
4' | Manchester United |
5' | Manchester United |
6' | Manchester United |
7' | Manchester United |
8' | Aston Villa |
9' | Aston Villa |
10' | Manchester United |
11' | Manchester United |
12' | Manchester United |
13' | Manchester United |
14' | Aston Villa |
15' | Aston Villa |
16' | Aston Villa |
17' | Manchester United |
18' | Manchester United |
19' | Aston Villa |
20' | Aston Villa |
21' | Aston Villa |
22' | Aston Villa |
23' | Manchester United |
24' | Manchester United |
25' | Manchester United |
26' | Manchester United |
27' | Manchester United |
28' | Manchester United |
29' | Aston Villa |
30' | Manchester United |
31' | Manchester United |
32' | Manchester United |
33' | Manchester United |
34' | Manchester United |
35' | Manchester United |
36' | Manchester United |
37' | Manchester United |
38' | Aston Villa |
39' | Aston Villa |
40' | Aston Villa |
41' | Aston Villa |
42' | Manchester United |
43' | Manchester United |
44' | Manchester United |
45' | Manchester UnitedGoal |
45'+1 | Manchester United |
45'+2 | Manchester United |
45'+3 | Manchester UnitedGoal |
45'+4 | Manchester United |
Half time 45'+5 | Manchester United |
46' | Aston Villa |
47' | Manchester United |
48' | Manchester United |
49' | Manchester United |
50' | Manchester United |
51' | Aston Villa |
52' | Aston Villa |
53' | Manchester United |
54' | Manchester United |
55' | Manchester United |
56' | Manchester United |
57' | Manchester UnitedGoal |
58' | Aston Villa |
59' | Aston Villa |
60' | Manchester United |
61' | Manchester United |
62' | Manchester United |
63' | Manchester United |
64' | Manchester United |
65' | Manchester United |
66' | Manchester United |
67' | Manchester United |
68' | Manchester United |
69' | Manchester United |
70' | Aston Villa |
71' | Aston Villa |
72' | Manchester United |
73' | Manchester United |
74' | Manchester United |
75' | Manchester United |
76' | Manchester United |
77' | Manchester United |
78' | Manchester United |
79' | Manchester United |
80' | Manchester United |
81' | Manchester United |
82' | Manchester United |
83' | Aston Villa |
84' | Aston Villa |
85' | Aston Villa |
86' | Aston Villa |
87' | Aston Villa |
88' | Manchester United |
89' | Manchester United |
90' | Aston Villa |
90'+1 | Manchester United |
90'+2 | Manchester United |
90'+3 | Manchester United |
90'+4 | Manchester United |
Full time 90'+5 | Manchester United |
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Aston Villa have won just one of their last 26 Premier League home games against Manchester United (D9 L16), beating them 3-1 in November 2022 in Unai Emery’s first match in charge.
Manchester United have won 41 Premier League games against Aston Villa, with 18 of those coming away from home. Only the Red Devils themselves have beaten an opponent more both overall and on the road (42 overall, 19 away vs Everton).
Only Manchester City (46) have won more home Premier League points in 2025 than Aston Villa (40), while the Villans have lost the fewest home games of any ever present side (1). Should they avoid defeat here, it’ll be their fewest home top-flight defeats in a year since 1983 (1 in 22 games).
Manchester United have won their last two away Premier League matches, last winning three in a row in February 2024. The Red Devils have netted at least twice in their last five on the road, last doing so in more consecutively between June and December 2020 (11).
Aston Villa have won their last six Premier League games, and their last nine in all competitions. As a top-flight side, they last won seven straight league games between December 1989 and February 1990, while they last won 10+ in all competitions between January and March 1914 (11).
Manchester United have dropped 10 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, just one fewer than they did in the whole of 2024-25. Coming into this weekend’s games, only Brentford (13) and Newcastle (11) have dropped more.
In all competitions, Aston Villa have won their last nine home games. They’ve already had one winning run of 10 home games in a row under Unai Emery (March – September 2023) and the Spaniard could be just the second Villans manager to have two separate runs of 10 wins in a row, after George Ramsay (five different ones between 1888 and 1905).
Bruno Fernandes has assisted in each of his last five away Premier League appearances for Man Utd – should he get one in this game, he’ll be the first player in Premier League history to assist in six away games in a row.
Morgan Rogers has been involved in eight goals in his last 11 Premier League games for Aston Villa (5 goals, 3 assists). However, each of the last six of these have come away from home.
Bruno Fernandes has both scored and assisted a goal in his last two Premier League appearances. The only Man Utd player to do so in three in a row is Ryan Giggs in April 2003.
