Aston Villa vs Man Utd LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Scott McTominay scores dramatic late winner
Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United: McTominay came off the bench as Erik ten Hag’s side closed the gap on the top four with a huge win at Villa Park
Super-sub Scott McTominay scored a late winner as Manchester United continued to inch up the Premier League table with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa.
Erik ten Hag’s United are sixth on 41 points after their third consecutive victory, five points behind fifth-placed Villa who would have climbed to fourth spot with a win.
Rasmus Hojlund scored his fifth goal in five games to put United ahead in the 17th minute, knocking in Harry Maguire’s header from close range through keeper Emi Martinez’s legs.
United keeper Andre Onana produced several huge saves to keep Villa off the scoresheet until Douglas Luiz levelled in the 67th minute. But Scotland’s McTominay came on in the 73rd minute to score the winner in the 86th, leaping to head a superb cross from Diogo Dalot past Martinez.
Relive all the action from Aston Villa vs Manchester United below:
Harry Maguire speaking to Sky Sports
“I think we started well, scored to deservedly lead and then the tempo of our pressing dropped off and we weren’t aggressive enough. We allowed them back in and we conceded from a set-play which really disappointing at a place like this.
“Great spirit and fight to come back and Scott [McTominay] is the match-winner again. It’s an amazing feeling but we’d like to make it a little more easy for ourselves.
“Scott has come on in numerous games this year and made the difference for us. We had to dig deep in the second half think we did in the end and deserved the win.”
McTominay speaking to Sky Sports
“We started really well, but they are a really good team and came back into it and caused us problems. The guys at the back were immense, particularly Harry [Maguire] and Raphael [Varane]. It was a top-level performance and a deserved win in the end.
“Every game you win is massive for taking a step forward and confidence for the boys. It is all positive but it is about repeating it and not getting too far ahead of ourselves when we win a few. We’ve got to repeat it now.”
On starting from the bench: “I feel like as long as I’m fit and healthy I can come onto the pitch and perform. I don’t take it personally, I just want to come in and try and do the best I can for this. Long may it continue.”
On the goal: “It was an unbelievable cross to be fair, whipped with a lot of pace. I just needed it to hit my head and get it on target. Full credit to the boys, we created a lot of good chances which may go unnoticed.”
Super-sub Scottie
That’s goal number seven for Scott McTominay in the League goals this season, the most of any player for Manchester United. Four of those have been as a substitute, the joint-most by any player this season 2023-24 (level with João Pedro).
Let’s here from the game-winner now...
FULL-TIME: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
Douglas Luiz’s goal levelled things up for the hosts but it was Scott McTominay who had the last laugh...
FULL-TIME: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
What a dramatic ending at Villa Park.
FULL-TIME: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
United hold on for a vital three points!
It’s McTominay’s late header that has earned Ten Hag’s side a huge three points away against Villa. Their superb record away against Villa Par continues and it’s a win that must surely reignite their hopes of a top-four finish.
They now sit just five points behind Villa in fifth and six off Tottenham in fourth.
Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
90+5 mins: Evans clears a cross only as far as Ramsey but the Villa midfielder’s strike is blocked well by the United defence.
Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
90+2 mins: A double change from United late on as they look to run down the clock. Mainoo and Hojlund depart, with Amrabat and Evans coming on.
Cash strikes one with his left foot but Onana clings on at the near post.
Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
90+1 mins: A roar erupts from the Villa fans as the fourth official puts up six minutes of added time.
Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
90 mins: Watkins meets Digne’s cross but it’s a difficult header from quite far out and Onana claims it easily.
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