Ruben Amorim concluded his debut Premier League season with a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa, as his Manchester United outfit delivered arguably their finest display under his tenure.
Second-half strikes from Amad and Christian Eriksen earned three points on a day when Villa saw Emi Martinez dismissed before missing out on Champions League football.
Unai Emery and his men felt aggrieved following a decision to deny Morgan Rogers a game-opening goal, as those in attendance added more than a shake of salt to a visibly open Birmingham wound.
However, this was a performance befitting this once-proud Manchester institution, with a rousing post-game speech fueling a glimmer of hope for what is to come under their Portuguese tactician.
Manchester United supply a dominant showing against Aston Villa
Much to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful, United started brightly with a foray of attractive interplay, leading to a brace of quickfire opportunities for the impressive Mason Mount within the opening five minutes.
With Bruno Fernandes again positioned in a withdrawn midfield role, the Portuguese captain dictated the entirety of the opening half-hour alongside his number seven, with a masterful brand of playmaking authority that left the visitors scratching their heads.
Truthfully, the home side enjoyed almost complete control throughout the half, dominating 66% of the ball and creating multiple opportunities while restricting Villa to a solitary effort. The consensus in the press box angled towards why this type of performance was not visible in Bilbao.
An unfortunate injury to Noussair Mazraoui midway through the half sealed a frustrating end to a promising 57-appearance debut campaign. The returning Diogo Dalot replaced his Moroccan teammate on the right wing.
Staggeringly, with a minute of injury time remaining and Villa set for their manager’s instructions, Martinez received his marching orders following a moment of baffling decision-making.
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper raced out of his area to claim a dismal Matty Cash backpass before blatantly clattering into Rasmus Hojlund to deny the Dane a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Thomas Bramall will never receive an easier decision.
Much has been written about Kobbie Mainoo’s future, with prolonged contractual negotiations leading to speculation about his departure. But the Theatre of Red is advised of his desire to remain in the North West, and the 20-year-old replaced Dalot for the restart.
Hojlund had the ball in the net shortly afterwards through a headed effort from a well-worked corner routine, but the goal-shy forward was left frustrated when ruled marginally offside.
United continued to press for the opener, with Casemiro striking the woodwork and the Dane again coming close following an encouraging break from the halfway line.
Ayden Heaven became the latest injury concern shortly after the hour, succumbing to an aggravation before being replaced by the outgoing Jonny Evans. Christian Eriksen also emerged for a final Old Trafford runout, with Mount making way for the veteran playmaker.
Despite chasing shadows for 73 minutes of play, the visitors thought they had taken an undeserving lead through Rogers before realisation set in about the level of contact he made with a relieved Altay Bayindir in the build-up. I suspect we will hear plenty about this decision for weeks to come.
Deservedly, United responded with a goal of their own a moment later through Amad when the Ivorian genius headed home an exquisite Bruno delivery at the back post.
As a distraught travelling support came to terms with the ramifications of defeat, chants of “Champions League, you’re having a laugh” echoed throughout the Theatre of Dreams.
Things went from bad to worse for Emery with five minutes to play when United won a penalty following a rash Ian Maatsen challenge on Amad. A reluctant Eriksen powered the spot kick home to widespread applause, with his teammates insisting he sign off in style.
United ended a forgettable season with a first domestic win in nine outings, climbing above Wolves into 15th position ahead of the most critically important summer window in recent memory.
“The good days are coming!”
Following the final whistle, Victor Lindelof, Eriksen and Evans received recognition for their Manchester careers before their summer departures, with the trio earning individual standing applause.
Fittingly, with much speculation surrounding his future, their manager addressed those in attendance to highlight his appreciation for their unwavering support throughout the season, with the promise of better days.
“First of all, I want to apologise for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and with the team,” Amorim stated.
“Second thing, I want to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support during the season, and I know that was really hard in many games.
“But now, we have to make a choice, or we stay stuck in the past because this season is in the past – it is over. We fight each other, or we stick together to move forward.
“Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you the storm is coming. Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you that the good days are coming.
“If there is one club in the world that proved in the past that can overcome any situation, any disaster – it is our club, it is Manchester United football club.
“Now, I want to say sorry also to my players, but I tried always to be honest with you guys. Thank you very much – see you next season.”
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