Australia’s festival of friendly football continues when Manchester United takes on Aston Villa at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:45pm (AEST).
Having made an excellent start to their trip down under, Manchester United will be looking to continue their solid run of results against Aston Villa tonight.
Wins against Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace have United fans hopeful that something promising is building, and Villa present an interesting proposition for them to combat in front of what will be a massive crowd in the west.
Jadon Sancho, Diogo Dalot, Zidane Iqbal and Tahith Chong have been particularly impressive on the tour thus far, and the goals have flowed off the back of expansive and positive play that the team will be hoping to take back to England for the start of the Premier League in a few weeks’ time.
Aston Villa brings a strong squad down under, with Philippe Coutinho, Aaron Ramsey and Ollie Watkins sure to catch the eyes of the local fans.
Unlike some of the other travelling English clubs, Villa players have limited minutes under their belts, no doubt relying on significant changes at the break in order to remain competitive with a United team that is beginning to develop some continuity after a series of constructive matches on the road.
Prediction
Aston Villa will mount a serious challenge, yet the time together abroad and the consistent play that United have enjoyed over the last fortnight should see them come away with what will likely be an impressive and comfortable result.
United 4 – Villa 0.
Kick-off: 7:45pm AEST
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
TV/Stream: Channel 10, 10 Play
Odds: United $1.72, Villa $4.10, Draw $3.85 – odds via PlayUp
Manchester United squad
Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Tom Heaton, Nathan Bishop, Matej Kovar
Defenders: Eric Bailly, Ethan Laird, Axel Tuanzebe, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Alex Telles, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ethan Laird, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia
Midfielders: Amad Diallo, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Hannibal Mejbri, Facundo Pellistri, Charlie Savage, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, James Garner, Zidane Iqbal
Forwards: Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, Alejandro Garnacho, Tahith Chong, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial
Aston Villa squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Robin Olsen, Oliwier Zych, Filip Marschall
Defenders: Ashley Young, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne, Ezri Konsa, Calum Chambers, Diego Carlos, Matty Cash, Frederic Guilbert, Ludwig Augustinsson, Josh Feeney, Kaine Kesler Hayden, Ben Chrisene
Midfielders: Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey, Emiliano Buendía, Leon Bailey, Marvelous Nakamba, Morgan Sanson, Bertrand Traoré, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Tim Iroegbunam, Aaron Ramsey
Wingers/Forwards: Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings, Keinan Davis, Cameron Archer
Adam
Guest
United is still crap. Seriously the club is a disaster. A mess that no one can clean up or fix
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board for the game and be sure to stick with the Roar tomorrow for a huge day of action across an array of sports. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa……………………………2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
That was a stunning finish to what was a dour game at times, and one that ends the festival of football for Australian fans. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......2
Tigertown
Guest
Villa to the rescue. Nicely done. Well played Man U too. Stu, cheers for the blog. Enjoy your night.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME A goal from Jadon Sancho and an own-goal from Matty Cash set United up for the win, yet second half goals to Leon Bailey and Calum Chambers levelled things up, the second of which coming with just seconds remaining on the clock. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa……………………………2
TK
Guest
Error no they haven't.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME Manchester United have beaten Aston Villa 2-1 at Optus Stadium in less than appealing conditions. Oops, no they haven’t, Chambers scores in the final seconds to level the scores!!!!!! GOAL ASTON VILLA!!!!! Manchester United…………………2 Aston Villa……………………………2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
89' United with a late throw in attack that is cleared by Villa and now they attack, seeking a late goal. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
88' United win the corner yet the execution from Garner is poor and the Villa will take the goal kick. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
86' United stream through the middle yet Villa do well in defence and the ball is across the line for a throw on the far side. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
86' Late free for Villa here as they shift to the far wing before conceding possession to United at the back. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
84' Now a real chance for Villa as de Gea is forced to save from a tight angle. Now Chong wins the free in midfield after the clearance. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
83' Villa playing out from the back before losing the ball and conceding the throw on the near side line. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
82' Things a little slow as we approach the final five minutes. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
78' Chong picks up a yellow card for a shirt grab in the centre of the pitch. Now Villa come down the middle and United hoof it clear. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
77' Free-kick now to United. They waste it and Villa will start from deep in defence. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
76' Throw now to United on the near side. Crowd announced as 58,000. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
TK
Guest
Just tuned in. I'm sure that FIFA and the IOC are ooking at the high quality cow paddock prepared for this fixture and are reassured Australia can deliver a high quality women's world cup and Olympics tournament for football!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
75' Now Sanson looking dangerous down the right again for Villa and the ball in creates problems. Goal kick United but the threat is there for Villa. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1
Stuart Thomas
Expert
74' Villa dangerous down the right again, before United desperately clear and then break to the other end. Free-kick at the back for Villa after Iqbal shows a few too many studs. Manchester United………………..2 Aston Villa………………………......1