Sports
Manchester United Clinches Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Aston Villa in Premier League Showdown
(CTN News) – Manchester United returned from a two-goal deficit to defeat Aston Villa 3-2, but the game-winning goal by Rasmus Hojlund—his first in the Premier League—grabbed all the attention.
The away team went into halftime ahead with to goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker in the first half.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa 3-2: Premier League – as it happened
After a fantastic team move ended with a goal by Alejandro Garnacho, United believed they had one back. However, the goal was disallowed due to offside.
But the disallowed strike buoyed United, and Garnacho broke United’s seven-hour goal drought with a goal less than ten minutes later.
Twenty minutes before the game’s end, Garnacho scored again to tie the score and set up a thrilling finish.
United were in complete command in the dying minutes, and Hojlund scored United’s first Premier League goal when he was in the ideal spot at the right moment.
A massive home win for @manutd! 🏡#MUNAVL #FestiveFixtures pic.twitter.com/vgVGSx7z6P
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 26, 2023
With the victory, Erik ten Hag’s team finally snapped a four-game losing streak.
The three points are great, but Erik ten Hag will be overjoyed to see his star striker score after such a long drought in the Premier League.
Though he has scored five goals in the Champions League, Hojlund’s £72 million price tag has come under scrutiny due to his lackluster performances at home.
But with the winning goal against Villa, United seemingly started to recoup some of those costs; he was the perfect player for the job and United needed the win badly.
The 19-year-old’s second-half performance was spectacular, and his dogged persistence was the key that ultimately led United to victory. He was the one who made the tough runs, terrorized Villa’s defence, and forced Martinez to work when they were down 2-0.
Unfortunately, he was disallowed for a little offside, and he could have had a hat trick if he had held on for half a second longer; however, United’s two goals were the game-changer, and Hojlund could finally believe they could win it.
Impressive performance that changes the game.
