Despite facing endless issues on and off the field during the self-indulgent reign of the Glazer family, the Manchester United faithful have retained a notable record against Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Such is the Reds’ control of this historic fixture, dating back to a first meeting in 1892, that a host of different managers have overseen a 90% points return (W14, D4, L2) in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Ahead of Sunday’s latest installation at Villa Park, both sides hold aspirations of securing European football following an impressive run of results since October.
Although it has been anything but plain sailing for Ruben Amorim since he arrived in Manchester, his team is gathering momentum, having suffered defeat in just one of their previous 10 domestic fixtures (W5, D4, L1).
While in Birmingham, Unai Emery is again highlighting his tactical acumen, steering his outfit to a run of nine consecutive victories across all competitions.
Naturally, an endless media narrative has given United little hope of claiming three points. Still, we believe there is more to this squad than meets the eye, particularly when factoring in the results from recent trips south.
Aston Villa 0-3 Manchester United, 9 July 2020
Ironically, given the promising form already discussed, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men extended their unbeaten run to 10 (W7, D3) in the Premier League courtesy of a professional performance against Dean Smith’s side at Villa Park.
Marshalled by the midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Nemanja Matic, and Paul Pogba, the travelling contingent were treated to a stellar display, with Fernandes opening the scoring from the spot midway through the first half.
Mason Greenwood doubled the lead ahead of the interval, before Pogba capped a typically technical showing with a delicate finish from outside the area to quell a home surge.
United would conclude the campaign with two further wins alongside a brace of draws, finishing in 3rd place, having fallen at the semi-final stages of the Europa League and both domestic cups.
Aston Villa 1-3 Manchester United, 9 May 2021
The following season delivered a similar outcome when Solskjaer led a confident squad to Birmingham, fresh off 13 games unbeaten (W7, D6), including a 9-0 demolition of Southampton at Old Trafford.
On this occasion, Bertrand Traore gave Villa a first-half advantage, but United responded emphatically and ensured Manchester City would need to do their part elsewhere.
Fernandes once more netted from the spot, and Greenwood again added the second moments later, before Edinson Cavani sealed three points with a late headed effort to silence the home support.
The result solidified United’s 2nd-place finish before a heartbreaking defeat in the Europa League final against Villarreal later that month.
Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United, 11 February 2024
Erik ten Hag was in charge this time around, facing a challenging task against the current chief, Emery.
Rasmus Hojlund opened the scoring with his fifth goal in as many games, finishing a well-worked corner routine early in the first half.
Villa Park erupted when Douglas Luiz restored parity in the second, before Scott McTominay headed home a late winner from a Diogo Dalot delivery to collect a hard-earned three points.
United would go on to finish a disappointing 8th in a horrid league campaign but claimed derby honours against Manchester City in a memorable FA Cup Final victory at Wembley.
Can Amorim inspire his depleted squad to maintain this promising record against a high-flying team at Villa Park?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
(Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk/News Images via depositphotos.com).
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