In the match between Manchester United (MU) and Aston Villa in the 19th round of the Premier League on the morning of December 27, despite quickly conceding two goals within 5 minutes, MU staged a remarkable comeback. Alejandro Garnacho shone with a brace, and Rasmus Hojlund scored a goal, marking his debut goal in the Premier League.
The concerns of MU fans about their team were quickly realized as they fell behind despite playing at home. Aston Villa, led by Unai Emery, had been unbeaten in their last 10 matches, winning 7 of them.
MU faced adversity as early as the 22nd minute when John McGinn scored a stunning free-kick from outside the penalty area. Five minutes later, Leander Dendoncker extended the lead for Aston Villa from a corner kick.
However, MU defied expectations and mounted a spectacular comeback in the second half. In the 59th minute, Garnacho scored a precise goal assisted by Marcus Rashford. The equalizer came in the 71st minute when Garnacho, taking advantage of a defensive error, netted his second goal.
The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Rasmus Hojlund, in his debut Premier League season, scored with a one-touch finish after a corner kick. Despite Aston Villa's late pressure, MU held on to win 3-2.
This crucial victory propelled MU to 6th place with 34 points, trailing the Champions League qualification spots by 5 points with a game in hand. Aston Villa, despite the loss, remained in 3rd place with 39 points, ending their 10-match unbeaten streak.
Lineups:
- MU: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Evans, Wan Bissaka, Eriksen (Gore 90'+4), Mainoo (McTominay 81'), Garnacho (Mejbri 90'+5), Fernandes, Rashford (Antony 80'), Hojlund (Kambwala 89').
- Aston Villa: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Digne (Moreno 50'), Bailey (Zaniolo 77'), McGinn (Duran 86'), Luiz, Ramsey (Diaby 77'), Dendoncker (Iroegbunam 86'), Watkins.
