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A goal from Adnan Junazaj has given Manchester United a 1-0 win over Aston Villa, putting them at the top of the table after last week’s win over Tottenham.
>>MATCH REPORT: Januzaj tames Villa on Man United return
Manchester United def. Aston Villa 1-0
Aston Villa‘s first home game of the season is marked by the arrival of Manchester United, a team who have a insurmountable record against the Villians of the past 20 years. Join The Roar‘s live coverage of Aston Villa vs Manchester United from 4:30am (AEST).
It has been nearly 20 years since Manchester United last lost against Aston Villa at Villa Park. In that time period, the Red Devils have completed a 19-match unbeaten streak at Villa Park that’s produced 12 victories.
Though, if there was ever a time for this record to come to an end, today’s fixture could be the right time, as United, whilst winning against Tottenham on the opening day, were far from their best.
“The first game is so so important,” Michael Carrick told the club’s official website.
“I think we found that last season as we didn’t really start well in the first game and straight away we were playing catch-up. So it was vital we won on Saturday.
“The performance wasn’t what we would expect, really, it was not up to the standard we want, but it was all about the result and I’m sure the performances will come in the weeks ahead.”
The performance itself by United last weekend was extremely lacklustre, with no real attacking flair or fluidity on display. It was a solid yet lucky win for the Mancs, whose only goal came through a Kyle Walker own goal. Manager Louis Van Gaal will be looking for a much better performance this time around.
Speaking after last week’s win over Spurs, van Gaal spoke of his disappointment at the overall performance.
“We were lucky today. But the most important thing is that we won. There was a lot of pressure on us because of last year and maybe I placed too much pressure on this match because of the need to start well,” van Gaal said.
The need to start well is ever present for United, who have not won their first two matches of a season since beginning 2011-12 with five straight victories. Consistency is the key for them, and they will be looking to expand on their previous performance a week ago.
In terms of Villa, they started their season off with a solid 1-0 win against Premier League newcomers Bournemouth. Premier League debutant Rudy Gestede impressed, scoring with his head to give Villa a vital win to kick start themselves in the league.
“There’s a spring in everyone’s step,” Sherwood told Villa’s official website.
“Obviously winning helps. It puts that confidence into the group. We have worked very hard in pre-season so to come off our first game with a victory, away from home with a clean sheet, was all we could ask for.”
However, Villa are still without key players in Jack Grealish, Jores Okore and Carlos Gil, which will make their job at containing and extracting chances out of United far more difficult.
Ultimately in my opinion, this game will be decided on how well United play. If United turn up ready and willing to play expansive football, they should easily take care of Villa.
However, Villa do have the opportunity to do like West Ham did to Arsenal and knick a goal at key times to put United under pressure.
Prediction: United will continue their impressive record at Villa Park with a 2-0 win.
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