Moisés Caicedo: ‘My dream has always been to play for Manchester United‘
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have surged into title contention, having remained unbeaten since 12 December, when they were knocked out of the Champions League by RB Leipzig. United are just three points adrift of leaders Liverpool and boast a game in hand, although the defending champions have a large advantage on goal difference. Nevertheless, it has been a brilliant run for Solskjaer, whose position had once against come under scrutiny earlier in the campaign after an indifferent start. The head coach admitted victory against Wolves last time out, courtesy of a stoppage-time deflection, required more than a little fortune but they are now genuine contenders.
Aston Villa will provide a stern test of those credentials, though, with Dean Smith’s side enjoying a brilliant campaign after their relegation struggle last season. The Villans sit in fifth, just seven points adrift of Liverpool, and have two games in hand, with astute summer recruitment paying dividends as the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins continue to thrive. Villa will be confident of causing an upset, too, having gone unbeaten last month while holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw last time out. Follow all the action live below:
MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1 ASTON VILLA
57’: GOAL! Villa equalise through Traore! A quick free-kick finds Grealish, who darts into the area. Grealish crosses for Traore, who is completely unmarked at the back post, who has the time to control the ball and slot it past De Gea.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:22
MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 ASTON VILLA
55’: El Ghazi close for Villa, as his volley flashes wide.
Villa proving they are not out of this game.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:18
MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 ASTON VILLA
53’: Another chance for the away side, as Grealish’s cross was met by Watkins. His header is parried over by De Gea.
Bright start this from Villa at the start of the second half.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:16
MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 ASTON VILLA
52’: Chance for Villa, but Cash’s cross looked more like a shot.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:15
MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 ASTON VILLA
51’: United have the potential to be deadly on the counter-attack, especially with the pace of Martial and Rashford.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:13
MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 ASTON VILLA
46’: And we have kick off for the second half at Old Trafford.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 21:11
MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 ASTON VILLA
A hugely enjoyable first half in Manchester. Both sides could’ve scored, especially United early on. Martial’s goal was expertly taken, and was the product of some nice play between Rashford and Wan-Bissaka.
There are more goals in this game, and Villa could easily equalise, given they produce more concrete chances in the second half.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 20:53
MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 ASTON VILLA
41’: GOAL! The home side take the lead through Martial.
Nice build-up play between Rashford and Wan-Bissaka sees the right-back cross for the Frenchman, who evades his marker to plant a header past Martinez.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 20:46
MANCHESTER UNITED 0-0 ASTON VILLA
37’: Very nearly a brilliant goal from Fernanes, who delicately chips Martinez, but the midfielder doesn’t get enough curl on the ball, and it goes narrowly wide.
That would’ve been marvellous had it gone in.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 20:42
MANCHESTER UNITED 0-0 ASTON VILLA
34’: Villa again beginning to assert their authority on the game, getting into some promising positions.
However they are leaving themselves open to counter-attacks, which is a facet of their game United will exploit.
Emmet Gates1 January 2021 20:40
