Player Ratings: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United

Photo: Manchester United

A combative and depleted Manchester United team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, missing out on another chance at finishing the matchday in the top five spots.

United looked bright for large parts of the first half, controlling the play, but failing to make it count. Villa opened the scoring thanks to a wonderful strike from Morgan Rogers, but United responded thanks to their high press, winning the ball in the Villa defensive third, before Matheus Cunha equalised before the break.

In the second half, the match was largely played in Villa's half, with United building some neat play, despite having 45 minutes without Bruno Fernandes, who came off injured. Rogers found another goal in the second half, and it proved to be the difference as United could not find the back of the net again.

Here is how the United team fared against Villa:

Senne Lammens 6

Lammens had a relatively quiet game, coming out to claim plenty of crosses and made a tidy save in the first half. Powerless to stop any of the goals, being right in the top corner.

Leny Yoro 4

Another disappointing display from the Frenchman, who was not tight enough for the first goal, and then struggled to make a challenge for the second. Seems low in confidence and he is being carved open without Matthijs de Ligt next to him.

Ayden Heaven 7

Solid for most of the game, keeping Ollie Watkins quiet and was getting the better of him. Possibly should have done better for the second goal, but other than that, it was one of his best performances in a United shirt.

Luke Shaw 6

Most of the play went down the other side, with Villa constantly looking for Rogers rather than John McGinn, with Shaw keeping the Scot quiet. Tried to fly forward when he could, but could not create any real chances.

Diogo Dalot 6

Dalot was strong whenever he tried to go forward, overpowering Ian Maatsen, yet his final ball was lacking yet again.

Manuel Ugarte 5

Handed a rare start due to Casemiro's suspension and Kobbie Mainoo's injury issue, and it immediately became clear why Ruben Amorim does not favour him over the other options. Ugarte looked scrappy in possession, and while he won the ball a number of times, he was often slow on it, being dispossessed by Youri Tielemans various times.

Bruno Fernandes 5

Looked to be the main creative outlet yet again, but he then stood clutching his hamstring. While he soldiered on for the rest of the half, he then went off. Fernandes will be a colossal miss for the upcoming matches, especially with other players currently out injured or away on international duty.

Patrick Dorgu 6

Looked sluggish at first, but gradually grew into the game as it wore on. Won the ball for the Cunha equaliser, and was enterprising whenever he went forward. Delivered an excellent cross for Cunha again later on.

Mason Mount 7

One of United's best players on the day. He was very busy and won possession multiple times, pressing the Villa backline and created a chance for Benjamin Sesko. The creative responsibility fell on his shoulders in the second half with Fernandes out, and while he battled on, he could not carve Villa open.

Matheus Cunha 7

United's most dangerous player, and his ball retention is sublime. Did well to slot the ball into the net for the equaliser, but ultimately should have had a second, missing with a free header from close range.

Benjamin Sesko 5

Handed a start after last week's cameo, and while he tried and tried, he could not get a goal. Squandered two good opportunities in the first half, and then faded in the second.

Substitutes

Lisandro Martinez 7

Forced to go in midfield after Fernandes was off, and he looked like a new player there. Comfortable on the ball and seemed like a definite upgrade on other options United have put in that position to replace Casemiro. His passing range was on full show.

Jack Fletcher 6

Came on for his Premier League debut and showed signs of his quality on the ball. Solid throughout.

Joshua Zirkzee 5

Barely had a kick in the game, only linking up play neatly at times.

Shea Lacey 5

Did not have much time to make an impact on his Premier League debut, but did try to have a shot late on, yet it was easily saved.

Manager - Ruben Amorim 7

Amorim did not get much wrong today, being handed a very tough hand given how many players are out, and coming up against the side in the best form of the league. The challenge became all the more difficult without Fernandes in the second half, but his decision to put Martinez in midfield seemed to work, with United generally looking the better of the two sides. Brought two youngsters on in a big game, highlighting his faith in the youth. A defeat, but one with plenty of positives.