Man Utd 2
Aston Villa 0
One could argue that this match was the epitome of the season that has just ended. Some would disagree as the United seen in this last match would have finished much higher in the table. In a way I think it was a true reflection of a lot of matches this season.
I followed this match as a live radio commentary on my mobile phone and that first half had me confused. The radio commentator was essentially describing a dominant United that basically gave Villa, a good side with all to play for, no sniff at the game. The mind boggles. We produce our best half under Amorim in the last match of the season, 4 days after not showing up for a final that would have saved our season! I confirmed this later when I watched the whole match on MUTV.
And yet, that excellent first half confirmed what we have been seeing all season – we can’t score to save our lives! We should have been 2 or 3 up before Martinez took leave of his senses and knocked Hojlund out to earn a fully deserved red card. I would have been quite surprised if Hojlund would have scored if he would have been let through to be completely honest!
The second half continued on the same vein with United in charge but unable to find the net but just after the 70 minute mark can the episode that had the Villa manager going bonkers – and if I have to be honest, I would have done worse than him! Maguire had the usual blip and mistimed his header and Bayindir came out to collect and in that one movement – he confirmed that we need 2 keepers for next season. Uncoordinated and the ball never 100% under control, he let the Villa forward to poke it away and score but the goal was disallowed – we got away with that one! Big time!! Had the goal stood, we would have lost at home to 10 men Villa and I would have been writing a completely different blog!
And to rub it in, 3 minutes later Amad headed home from yet another Bruno exquisite pass. 1-0 up and it was going to get worse for Villa. Amad won a penalty and Eriksen made it 2-0 on his last appearance as a United player.
This horrible, horrible season has ended with a win that had some people happy, and some others frustrated. Some of the players have shown that they will fall apart under pressure and that is not good enough because at United there is a lot of pressure and you have to raise your game when there is pressure on you and your team to deliver. That is why you earn what the paying supporters earn in a year in a single week!
The rebuild begins now, with no European nights next season, the focus needs to be on the EPL – no excuses. Amorim has committed himself in the post match address to the supporters. The good times are coming, he said,..Numquam Moribimur!
