Manchester United – Aston Villa: Fernandes Assists United’s Champions League Push (3-1)

These two teams were level on points going into this game in the race for Champions League football. Manchester United had some issues breaking down Aston Villa’s compact defensive block in open play, while Villa’s box midfield was interesting but did not lead to clear chances. In the end, a flurry of second-half goals decided the game, two of which were assisted by Bruno Fernandes who continues to drive United forward.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Michael Carrick suffered his first defeat as Manchester United interim manager last time out as his team fell to a late Newcastle winner. With the chase for Champions League football ongoing, there was a need for United to keep up the pace against Aston Villa, who were level on points with them going into this game. Villa themselves had failed to record a Premier League win since January, although they were able to overcome Lille in the Europa League in midweek.

United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape here, with Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw at the back. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo partnered in central midfield with Bruno Fernandes at number ten. Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha then took the wide roles, with Bryan Mbuemo starting up top.

Unai Emery also went with a 4-2-3-1 formation, starting with a back four of Lamare Bogarde, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Lucas Digne. Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley were the central midfielders, while there . . .