Man United vs Aston Villa: Bruno's goal helped The Red Devils to get away with a narrow victory against Villa

Manchester United moved one step closer towards Champions League football next season, after defeating Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League. Erik Ten Hag's men got the lead when Bruno Fernandes picked up the rebound to a Marcus Rashford shot. It proved the difference maker as it was enough to get a huge result at Old Trafford. Read the match report of the Man United vs Aston Villa clash and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Match Details: Man United vs Aston Villa

• Manchester United: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia, Casemiro, Eriksen (Fred 76), Fernandes (c), Sabitzer (Maguire 85), Sancho (Antony 76), Rashford (Martial 85).

• Aston Villa: Martinez; A. Young (Chambers 64), Konsa, Mings, Moreno (Digne 76); Dendoncker (Traore 64), Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Buendia (Duran 76);  Watkins.

• Subs not used: Butland, Wan-Bissaka, Williams, Pellistri, Weghorst.
• Booked: Fred, Malacia.
• Goal: Fernandes 39.
• Subs not used: Olsen, Silva, Revan, O'Reilly, K. Young.

Man United vs Aston Villa: Premier League 2022/23 Match Report:

First Half:

Manchester United started the match with great intensity. They were lacking that in the last few matches. They scored two goals in the first half against Spurs but still ended the match with a 2-2 draw. The Red Devils needed a victory to regain their confidence. It was not easy as they were facing Unai Emery's Aston Villa and they are in hot form right now. United kept the possession mostly and Sabitzer tried to provide some through passes again and again to Rashford & Bruno who were making in-behind runs but Villa defended really well. They kept themselves in shape and didn't allow the opposition in the box.

Marcus Rashford's left-footed shot from the left side of the box was saved in the centre of the goal. Martinez denied the attempt from Rashford after Bruno Fernandes' through ball in the 12th minute of the game. The game was too physical and that proved the high intensity. Casemiro didn't have a great couple of games but he looked convincingly strong today like he was before getting the second red card of the season. He controlled the midfield battle. Villa were relying on counters. John McGinn's right-footed shot in the 21st minute from outside the box was close but missed the top right corner.

Bruno's finish gave the lead to the Red Devils | Manchester United 1-0 Aston Villa

United got a clear-cut opportunity when Casemiro smashed the bar with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box. Marcus Rashford's right-footed shot from the left side of the box was saved in the bottom right corner by Martinez but it ended in the foot of Bruno who made no mistake to send that ball in the back of the net. Manchester United drew the first blood with a brilliant move in the 39th minute of the game. Two more shots were saved by Martinez in the later stages of the first half but they couldn't manage to extend the narrow lead as the 1st half ended with a 1-0 scoreline.

Second Half:

Aston Villa looked a little bit in control more than Manchester United in the second half. It has been the story for them this season. They have given the opposition to settle in after getting the lead early. Unlike the other teams, Aston Villa were not convincing today. They didn't show the same level of passion and Fatigue could be a reason for that. On the other side, United decided to keep possession. They tried to produce more chances to extend the lead but it never happened.

Aston Villa did nothing special in the second half, nor did Manchester United. They wasted too many half-chances. In a season like this intense, it has been many times proven that one team cannot spoil too many chances in a game. United could have scored more but surely Erik Ten Hag will work on that. They became the first team to not concede a goal against Villa in the Premier League after Unai Emery took charge. The match ended with a 1-0 scoreline with Bruno Fernandes as the Player of the Match.