Aston Villa defeated Manchester United in a major test for Unai Emery’s title-chasing side and sit just three points behind leaders Arsenal at Christmas.
They began the match on the front foot with John McGinn drawing a low save out of Senne Lammens before United fought back well and began to contol the pace of the game through Manuel Ugarte in midfield.
But, the defensive vulnerabilities of Ruben Amorim’s side where was again tested on the stroke of half-time as Morgan Rogers drifted out wide and received a blazing pass from McGinn. Rogers cut inside, away from the defender and laced his strike into the far corner.
The response was immediate as Patrick Dorgu dipossessed Matty Cash high up the pitch and slipped in Matheus Cunha who equalised mere minutes later sending the teams into the break on level terms.
Bruno Fernandes was subbed off at half-time through injury which took some bite out of the visitors and Rogers netted the winning goal before the hour mark to keep Villa’s winning run going.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
Aston Villa v Man United live
- Unai Emery's title-chasing side defeated Man Utd | Live on Sky Sports
- 57' GOAL! Rogers grabs a brace with accomplished finish [AST 2-1 MUN]
- 45 +3' GOAL! Cunha levels after Cash mistake [AST 1-1 MUN]
- 45' GOAL! Rogers curls in stunning opener [AST 1-0 MUN]
- Kobbie Mainoo left out of Man Utd squad due to injury
Morgan Rogers is the superstar fuelling Aston Villa’s unlikely title challenge
Sunday 21 December 2025 19:57 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkA coat was launched into the Villa Park sky. Unai Emery’s coat, to be precise. His team are flying, too. Emery is taking Aston Villa to stratospheric heights and it felt fitting that Morgan Rogers got the goal that prompted the Spaniard to propel his padded jacket upwards.
“My adrenalin,” said Emery, whose celebration looked more angry than joyous but Villa have plenty to enjoy.
A seventh consecutive league win, their best run in 36 years, came courtesy of the increasingly remarkable Rogers.
Morgan Rogers is the superstar fuelling Aston Villa’s unlikely title challenge
Reaction from Emery
Sunday 21 December 2025 19:35 , Mike JonesOn Villa’s title chances: "The realistic is the capacity and potential and we have played a lot of team like Arsenal and Manchester City. Of course we beat them here, but they have massive things tactically with players on a high level. And we have as well but to be a contender in front of them is our reality where is not.
"We are not contender. We are here because we are competing fantastic. The players are really focusing each match with what we are trying to set and being consistent. But we are not contender to be there.”
Bruno Fernandes injury means Man Utd can’t make mistakes in transfer market says Ruben Amorim
Sunday 21 December 2025 19:35 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has said Manchester United cannot afford to make mistakes in the transfer market by panic buying to cope without Bruno Fernandes after he was injured in their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Amorim expects to be without his captain for a while with a soft tissue injury and finds himself short of midfielders for the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle, which Kobbie Mainoo is also likely to miss.
Fernandes injury means Man Utd can’t make mistakes in transfer market says Amorim
Ruben Amorim provides update on Bruno Fernandes injury in major blow to Manchester United
Sunday 21 December 2025 19:09 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim is facing a worryingly growing injury list which now includes the Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes who was subbed off the pitch at half-time during the Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Fernandes, who is arguably United’s most important player, was involved in much of the first half action at Villa Park but caused concern just before half-time by stretching out his right leg and hobbling around the pitch.
Major injury concern for Manchester United as Bruno Fernandes subbed off versus Villa
Dalot on impact of losing Bruno Fernandes
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:57 , Mike JonesHe said: “It’s massive, we don’t know how bad it is but for him to come off the game… We know how tough he is, hopefully it is not too bad, and we keep with him for the next games.
“This is the times where opportunities come for other players. The time that you step up and show that you deserve to be in the team, that you deserve more minutes. I think that’s how the players that are going to get opportunities should look at it.
“In the end we are Man United, we have to find a way to win.”
Morgan Rogers brace boosts Aston Villa to 10th straight win at Man Utd expense
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:52 , Mike JonesMorgan Rogers’ brilliant brace helped Aston Villa secure a 10th successive win in all competitions as Unai Emery’s Premier League title contenders triumphed 2-1 against Manchester United.
A week on from sealing victory at West Ham by following up a fine finish with a stunning strike, the 23-year-old was at it again as Villa headed into Christmas within three points of leaders Arsenal.
Rogers showed skill and confidence when cutting in from the left to bend home a beautiful strike late in a first half that that ended with Matheus Cunha levelling for United after Matty Cash was dispossessed.
Morgan Rogers brace boosts Aston Villa to 10th straight win at Man Utd expense
Villa secure in third
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:45 , Mike JonesAston Villa are right in the hunt for the Premier League title and now just sit three points behind the league leaders Arsenal.
They’re third in the table and are battling against the Gunners and Manchester City.
Villa also have a seven point cushion to fourth placed Chelsea meaning they are well placed to win a Champions League place next season at the very least.
'Rogers is absolutely brilliant'
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:41 , Mike JonesHere are the thoughts of Sue Smith speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Morgan Rogers is absolutely brilliant and he just seems so calm in those moments when everything's going on around him, he's just calm.
“His first touch is perfect and he knows exactly what he's going to do and he's able to do it. Sometimes in games it is small margins and he's capable of producing those brilliant moments that win a game.”
Villa's best run
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:38 , Mike JonesThis is Aston Villa's best run in 111 years, by the way, following their worst start to a season in 28 years.
10 wins in a row and 16 out of their last 18 matches.
'An astonishing run of form'
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:33 , Richard JollyFull-time reaction from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“Ten out of 10 for Villa, 16 out of 18. An astonishing run of form from Unai Emery and his team. They are title challengers. United keep missing chances to go into the top five. They ended up depleted by injuries but the last two months have the feel of a missed opportunity.”
FULL-TIME! Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:29 , Chris WilsonThat is that! Villa may well have entered the title race as yet another win takes them within three points of top of Premier League at Christmas.
Not a vintage performance from the hosts but another brilliant win, while United may be feeling the effects of this one for a few weeks yet.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:27 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Was that United’s last chance? We’ve had a couple of extra stoppages since entering 90 minutes, but time is running out and Villa are edging towards another superb win.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:27 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
Dorgu does well to win a free-kick right on the edge of the box after skipping past Bogarde.
Mount opts to shoot but he can’t keep it down, clipping the top of the netting as it goes over.
Probably the wrong decision really.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:25 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Tielemans is down receiving treatment. Villa have used all their subs though so he’ll carry on.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:24 , Chris Wilson90 mins
United manage to counter, led by Cunha, before the ball runs to Lacey, who curls an effort too close to Martinez.
We’ll have four minutes of added time at Villa Park.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:21 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Once again the final ball is missing for United as Mount tries to find Lacey but his pass is wayward.
Villa bring on Lamare Bogarde for Kamara.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:20 , Richard JollyReaction from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“Shea Lacey is on for his debut, at wing-back. Amorim is back in 3-4-3 mode, playing players out of position.”
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:19 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Huge chance for Villa to wrap it up as the ball breaks for Rogers and the hosts are 2-v-1, but Rogers sees his shot blocked by Shaw.
At the other end, Cunha has a pop from range but it’s too tame to trouble Martinez.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:18 , Chris Wilson84 mins
And a change for United too, with academy prospect Shea Lacey on for Leny Yoro.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:17 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Subs for Villa once more as Onana and McGinn make way for Emi Buendia and Evan Guessand.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:15 , Chris Wilson80 mins
A couple of very brief VAR checks for penalties as two Dalot long throws casue pinball in the box, but nothing doing for either one.
'Scarcely what United planned'
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:12 , Richard JollyReaction from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“A debut for Jack Fletcher, son of Darren. Amorim has been criticised for not picking players from the United academy but he is giving one a chance now. But the midfield is Fletcher and Martinez, scarcely what United planned.”
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:11 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Half-chances for United but the gaps just aren’t there at the moment. Villa don’t look comfortable yet though.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:08 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Cunha does well to win a free-kick after nipping in to win the ball ahead of Lindelof.
United have a chance to deliver from around 30 yards out, but Mount’s delivery flies harmlessly over the Villa defenders at the back post.
Villa make some subs of their own, with Lucas Digne and Donyell Malen coming off for Watkins and Maatsen.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:06 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Subs for United as Ugarte and Sesko make way for Jack Fletcher and Joshua Zirkzee.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:06 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Some decent combinations from the visitors as Dalot finds Mount, who in turn finds Cunha, but the Brazilian can’t make clean contact on the shot.
Moments later, Dalot is yellow carded for a high challenge on Maatsen.
Major injury concern for Manchester United as Bruno Fernandes subbed off versus Aston Villa
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:05 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim is facing a worryingly growing injury list which now includes the Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes who was subbed off the pitch at half-time during the Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Fernandes, who is arguably United’s most important player, was involved in much of the first half action at Villa Park but caused concern just before half-time by stretching out his right leg and hobbling around the pitch.
The skipper looked in pain as he headed down the tunnel during the break and did not come back onto the field instead being replaced by Lisandro Martinez - himself having just returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Major injury concern for Manchester United as Bruno Fernandes subbed off versus Villa
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:03 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Martínez is the first player in the book as he brings down Kamara, before McGinn wins a corner moments later.
The delivery comes to nothing though before Cunha wins a free-kick.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:02 , Chris Wilson67 mins
CLOSE! What a miss from Cunha!
The Brazilian has to score here! Mount plays a lovely diagonal pass to Dorgu on the wing, and the wing-back clips in a great cross that finds Cunha unmarked about six yards out.
He looks certain to bury it but he heads wide of the post!
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 18:00 , Chris Wilson66 mins
United get away with one as they lose possession on midway and Watkins is almost played through on goal, but the England striker had strayed offside.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:58 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Good tracking back from Cunha to put in a sliding challenge on McGinn, but he concedes a corner.
The set-piece us cut back to Rogers but he can’t squeeze the shot through a sea of bodies in the box.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:56 , Chris Wilson61 mins
United looking for an equaliser but they are obviously decidedly less dangerous without Fernandes, and their attack is struggling a little bit here. Mount and Cunha remain lively though.
'Special from Rogers'
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:55 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThe latest from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“Special from Morgan Rogers today. A second successive double, in similar style, and this could be a 10th straight win for Villa.”
GOAL! Aston Villa 2-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:53 , Chris Wilson57 mins
GOAL! It’s Morgan Rogers again!
Villa haven’t done a lot in this second half but their star man has found the net once more.
Dalot fails to close down Tielemans on the wing and the Belgian manages to squeeze a cross that runs into the path of Rogers. He’s in a fairly similat position to where he scored his first goal and he simply strokes an accomplished finish into the far corner for 2-1.
Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:50 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Martinez does well to close down and win the ball not far from the Villa box, before the space opens up and he fires wide from range. Not the bet decision but there wasn’t a lot on in front of him.
Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:48 , Chris Wilson54 mins
Mount ends up dragging a half-volley wide of the far post from the corner.
At the other end, McGinn puts slightly too much on the ass forward to Watkins.
Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:46 , Chris Wilson52 mins
The second half has started in a similar vein to the first, with a Villa attack putting the visitors under a bit of pressure but the hosts are unable to find the final pass.
At the other end, Dalot nips in to win the ball off Maatsen and Sesko wins a corner.
Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:43 , Chris Wilson48 mins
The first half0chance of the half sees Mount fire in a cross into the corridor between Martinez and his defenders, and Sesko isn’t far away from making contact as he slides in.
'A rarity for Manchester United'
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:40 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkReaction to that sub from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“That rarity for Manchester United: a Bruno Fernandes injury. It means Ruben Amorim is without three of his four central midfielders, with Kobbie Mainoo also injured and Casemiro suspended.
“Lisandro Martinez is on, seemingly to partner Manuel Ugarte. The word 'makeshift' may be used for this midfield partnership.”
KICK-OFF! Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:39 , Chris WilsonBack underway at Villa Park.
Martinez has replaced Fernandes and the Argentine is playing in central midfield in the moment. Certainly an interesting decision.
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:37 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are re-emerging from the tunnel, so kick-off is a few moments away.
Fernandes coming off
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:36 , Chris WilsonLisandro Martinez is warming up and ready to come on for Bruno Fernandes. A worrying sight for United fans.
''Magnificent from Rogers'
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:33 , Chris WilsonHalf-time reaction to the goal from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“Magnificent from Morgan Rogers, both in the touch to keep the ball in and the finish.”
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:29 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:24 , Chris WilsonThat equaliser is more or less the last action of the half, with the two sides going into the break level.
It is probably the fair scoreline given the balance of the game, though it was very fortunate for United after a brilliant opener from Morgan Rogers.
All to play for at Villa Park!
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-1 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:22 , Chris Wilson45 +3 mins
GOAL! It’s fortunate but United won’t care.
Cash hesitates in possession and Dorgu makes the tackle, with the ball running into the path of Cunha in the box. He’s 1-v-1 with Martinez and heb curls a lovely strike into the far corner, right into the side-netting.
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:18 , Chris Wilson45 mins
GOAL! Out of nowhere, Villa find themselves ahead after a stunner from Morgan Rogers!
This is a superb goal, with the England man doing well to control on the wing before cutting inside and curling an inch-perfect effort into the top corner from just inside the box!
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:16 , Chris Wilson42 mins
United concede a foul from the corner and Fernandes seems to be indicating something to the bench, though it is unclear what exactly. Joshua Zirkzee is warming up on the sideline.
It would certainly be surprising to see the Portuguese come out after half-time at this rate.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:14 , Chris Wilson40 mins
Bizarre scenes here as Fernandes seemingly pulls up, indicating he might have pulled his hamstring or something similar, before just carrying on.
He’s moving a little slowly but appears to want to carry on, spraying a ball wide to Mount before seeing a shot deflected out for a corner.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:11 , Chris Wilson38 mins
Villa do get forward but the chance goes begging as Tielemans lines up a shot from distance and curls wide. Perhaps the wrong choice given the ciscumstances.
Moments later, Fernandes wins a fortunate free-kick near his own box after taking slightly too much time to make a pass.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:09 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Another decent attacking spell for United, with the visitors pinning Villa back and the hosts unable to get out of their half for a while.
Nobody can quite find the gaps in the defence yet though.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:06 , Chris Wilson33 mins
United have certainly grown into this game and are managing to frustrate Villa, with 75 per cent possession over the last 10 minutes. Amorim seems to have packed midfield looking to limit Villa in central areas.
The hosts certainly still look a threat though, with Rogers coming in off the wing before hitting a tame effort right at Lammens.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 17:03 , Chris Wilson30 mins
Final ballmissing again as Cunha can’t quite slip a pass through to Sesko before a wild Ugarte pass misses its intended target.
Worth noting that Villa’s back-up ‘keeper Marco Bizot is still warming up on the sideline.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:59 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Quite a lengthy break here as Martinez discusses something with the medical staff. It’s presumably something to do with concussion protocol, with replays showing that Cash hit the ‘keeper squre on the head with his knee.
He plays on for now after a lengthy delay.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:58 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThe latest from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“Emi Martinez is one of today's subplots. He was sent off against United in May. He hoped to join them on deadline day. He has denied Benjamin Sesko there, with the Villa fans hailing him as "the world's No 1". United seem quite happy they signed Senne Lammens, though.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:56 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Half a chance for Sesko this time, with Cunha slipping a ball through and the Slovenian unable to control it after taking it past Martinez.
There’s a break as Martinez and Cash receive treatment after colliding.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:54 , Chris Wilson21 mins
CLOSE! What a chance this is for Sesko.
Fernandes’ ball forward takes a nick off the Villa defender and runs perfectly into the path of the United striker, though Martinez is off his line quickly to close down the space and he makes a good save.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:51 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Neither side looks completely comfortable in defence, though it’s been Villa who’ve caused the most problems so far.
There’s been a bit of a lull in activity over the last few minutes though as both sides fight for control.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:49 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Another example of United lacking that bit of quality as Cunha fails to control on the edge of the box before Dorgu fails to deliver a cross.
The visitors are growing into the game a little though, enjoying a little more possession over the last few minutes.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:47 , Chris Wilson13 mins
There’s been plenty of early pressure from Villa and they continue to trouble United, though the final ball has been slightly off from both sides.
'Early troubles at the back for Man Utd '
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:43 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThe latest reaction from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“Early troubles at the back for Man Utd but at least Ayden Heaven has made two very well-timed interventions. He struggled against Bournemouth and has had a difficult spell in the team, with Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire injured.”
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:43 , Chris Wilson9 mins
Another close call for United right after that McGinn chance, with Rogers flicking wide from a cross after the corner.
United come on the attack but Dalot and Dorgu both fail with ventures into the box.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:41 , Chris Wilson7 mins
SAVE!
A mistake from Ugarte cedes possession near halfway and Onana carries forward before sweeping it wide to McGinn, who curls a shot too close to the ‘keeper.
A decent save from Lammens, with Heaven getting a crucial block in on the rebound to prevent a goal.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:37 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Half a chance for Villa now as they sweep it forward quickly to Watkins, who is nearly one-v-one before Heaven and Dorgu track back to make sure he can’t get the shot away.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:36 , Chris Wilson3 mins
CHANCE! First chance of the game falls to Cunha, with Mount’s pass forward deflected into the path of the Brazilian, who ends up curling wide from just outside the area.
Should at least be hitting the target from there.
Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:34 , Chris Wilson2 mins
An early free-kick for United gives them a chance to whip a ball in, but Fernandes’ cross to the near post is a poor one.
KICK-OFF! Aston Villa 0-0 Man United
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:32 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at Villa Park! Can Villa banish their relatively poor recent home record against United?
Aston Villa v Man United live
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:27 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel at Villa Park, so we’ll be underway shortly.
Utd formation questions
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:25 , Chris WilsonThe Mainoo situation has taken away from any questions over Amorim’s formation, with the Portuguese’s starting XI looking like a return to the three-at-the-back after the chaos of Bournemouth.
Aston Villa v Man United live
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:20 , Chris Wilson
Ruben Amorim has picked a fight he is unlikely to win
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:12 , Richard JollyThere hasn’t been a knock on Ruben Amorim’s office door this week.
The message conveyed by the Mainoo family to the Manchester United manager came in public, at Old Trafford.
Jordan Mainoo-Hames, the half-brother of an underused midfielder, wore a T-shirt during United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth bearing the message: “Free Kobbie Mainoo”.
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'Villa must be favourites'
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:06 , Richard Jolly at Villa ParkThe latest from Richard Jolly at Villa Park:
“So Ruben Amorim doesn't pick Kobbie Mainoo again. This time, at least, it is not his fault. Mainoo got a calf strain in training so, with Casemiro suspended, Manuel Ugarte comes in.
“United tend to lose when he starts. Villa tend to win anyway these days. They must be the favourites to do so again.”
Head-to-head
Sunday 21 December 2025 16:01 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 200 times in the past, with United winning 107, Villa winning 51 and 42 ending as draws.
They drew 0-0 in this fixture last season in October 2024, before United won 2-0 on the final day of the season in the return fixture.
Amorim on Mainoo
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:55 , Chris WilsonUnited boss Ruben Amorim has explained the absence of Kobbie Mainoo, stating that “he got an injury in the last training”.
"After training, he went to the doctor. He got something in his calf. We are going to assess but he is out of this game,” he said.
“Of course [it is bad timing], not just for the team but for him to have this problem. These are reminders that we need to focus on everything we can control and leave the rest to the destiny.
“He is going to be fine in the few weeks, I think, I don't know. Let's focus on the players that we have and are ready to play,” he added.
Why was Kobbie Mainoo left out of Man Utd’s squad versus Aston Villa?
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:50 , Chris WilsonKobbie Mainoo was left out of Manchester United’s matchday squad for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday amid increasing interest in the midfielder’s future at the club.
Mainoo, who has not started a single league match for United this season, is the subject of rumours about a possible January exit as his relationship with manager Ruben Amorim is under the microscope.
A lack of gametime for the England international has fuelled speculation that Mainoo’s relationship with Amorim was breaking down and that rumour was furthered by Mainoo’s brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, wearing a T-shirt at Old Trafford for Monday’s draw with Bournemouth that read: “Free Kobbie Mainoo”.
Why was Kobbie Mainoo left out of Man Utd’s squad versus Aston Villa?
Match stats
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:45 , Chris WilsonVilla have won just one of their last 26 Premier League home games against Manchester United (D9 L16), beating them 3-1 in November 2022 in Unai Emery’s first match in charge.
Manchester United have won 41 Premier League games against Aston Villa, with 18 of those coming away from home.
Only Manchester City (46) have won more home Premier League points in 2025 than Aston Villa (40) .
Mainoo absence due to injury
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:35 , Chris WilsonEarly reports suggest Kobbie Mainoo’s absence is due to a calf injury, though we’ll bring you full comments from Ruben Amorim when he speaks to the media before the game.
🚨❌ Kobbie Mainoo, out against Aston Villa and not even on the bench due to a small injury suffered yesterday. pic.twitter.com/vGk0JaS6Zw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2025
Team news
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:30 , Chris WilsonVilla have made just one change from the side that beat West Ham last time out. It comes in goal, where Emi Martinez returns in place of Marco Bizot.
Former United defender Victor Lindelof partners Ezri Konsa in defence, with Matty Cash and Ian Maatsen as full-backs, while the usual attacking line of McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers and Watkins starts once more.
Team news
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:25 , Chris WilsonThe big news for United is that Kobbie Mainoo misses out, with the England international not in the squad at all, though it is not yet known whether he picked up an injury or if his absence is related to his brother’s recent actions at Old Trafford.
Overall, there are three changes to the side that drew with Bournemouth, with all three enforced due to Afcon and suspensions. Patrick Dorgu comes into defence in place of Amad, while Bryan Mbeumo makes way for Benjamin Sesko and the suspended Casemiro is replaced by Manuel Ugarte.
Line-ups
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:20 , Chris WilsonAston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins
Subs: Bizot, Digne, Garcia, Routh, Bogarde, Hemmings, Buendia, Malen, Guessand.
Line-ups
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:18 , Chris WilsonMan United XI: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko
Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Fredricson, Malacia, Mantato, Martinez, Fletcher, Lacey, Zirkzee.
Team news
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:10 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Manchester United will be without the suspended Casemiro, as well as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui - who have all left for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are still out, so Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven could continue in defence.
Emiliano Martinez has missed Aston Villa’s last two matches due to injury but could return.
Jadon Sancho is ineligible to face his parent club and Pau Torres remains out for Aston Villa in defence with Victor Lindelof set to face his former side.
Villa's poor record vs Man Utd
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:05 , Mike JonesAston Villa have won just one of their last 26 Premier League home games against Manchester United (drawn nine, lost 16).
That win was a 3-1 victory in November 2022 in Unai Emery’s first match in charge.
Aston Villa’s surge to title contention feels unsustainable. So can they really win the Premier League?
Sunday 21 December 2025 15:00 , Richard JollyIt could amount to a triumph of reason. Arsenal top the Premier League table after seeming to plan for every eventuality, fill in every gap in the squad, take care of every small detail.
Arsenal have the best defence, the fewest defeats, the reputation as the set-piece specialists. They are building a title challenge on the most solid of foundations.
The stats say Aston Villa have got lucky – so can they really win the Premier League?
Emery confident despite player issues
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:51 , Mike JonesNow, here’s some more insights from Emery who spoke about the schedule and having Villa’s players step up when needed.
“The challenge is to win each match, and everything we did is done, and we must be focused now, the next match only on Sunday,” Emery said.
“Of course, how we are managing the squad with the players and adding minutes with some players being normally in the bench is very important, because we must feel collectively, everything we need to perform collectively like we are doing.
“And how we are performing is not only because we have one starting 11 more or less being usually with the same players.
“We are changing, and we are trying to use different players, of course, in different competitions, but how they are responding makes me confident.”
Emery on Man Utd test
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:46 , Mike JonesThe Aston Villa manager said: “Very difficult. Of course, it’s United. And United, not only for [their] history as well, how they are trying to build a team, and they are, this year, of course, trying to get [a] top position.
“They are performing very, very well away [from home], very well. And winning matches and performing and playing fantastic.
“At home, they are having some more problems than away, but I respect them a lot because their history, how they are performing, with the coach, new coach, last year and this year I think they are getting better.
“And with the players they have, they have very, very good players and offensively they are performing fantastic.
“And we are ready, but we are respecting them and we are being humble. Be humble, especially in this moment, we must be humble, to try to understand why we are performing like we are.”
Ruben Amorim accuses Man United players of being ‘entitled’ in rant against club culture
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:41 , Richard JollyRuben Amorim believes there is a sense of entitlement that is holding Manchester United back as he accused players of forgetting what it means to play for the club.
Amorim told Kobbie Mainoo to stay and fight for his place, rather than leaving because he is not in the team, as he told some of United’s young players they need to alter their attitude while he claimed he is improving the culture of the club, even if results have not been good enough.
Villa missing key players
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:35 , Mike Jones"Tyrone [Mings] is still injured," added Unai Emery. "He's getting better. Maybe, in a few weeks, he's again joining us.
“Pau Torres, more or less, the same. One week or two weeks, something like that. Ross Barkley is still injured, longer than those two players.
"[Harvey] Elliott is sick today. He hasn't trained today, or yesterday as well."
Villa to make late call on Martinez
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:29 , Mike JonesEmiliano Martinez could make a return to the Aston Villa side but his inclusion will be a late call as the goalkeeper recovers from injury.
"Emiliano is progressing well," said Villa boss Unai Emery. "He is training individually and feeling better, much better.
“We will decide if he is available, or not, for Sunday."
Amorim's injury update
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:24 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim was a touch frosty in his pre-match press conference and was asked for the latest injury updates to the Man Utd squad.
Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are injured and were expected to miss this clash.
"I think everyone is well," he said. "We have one more training [session] but, today, the rest of the lads are ready to go.
“I'm saying that nobody will recover, nobody is out. Just the guys that you already know."
Fernandes was speaking 'his feeling's
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:19 , Mike JonesManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes told Canal 11 that he was hurt by the club’s willingness to let him leave when Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal showed interest last summer..
Ruben Amorim was asked about Fernandes’ comments and replied: “He said what he is feeling. We already know the noise, but he talked with the board and I think everything is clear.
“We just spoke about his feelings and he needs to answer to that, not me. He gives everything and puts everything on the line. We need to step up and also have that feeling.
“He is a big example in the group. He spoke his feelings and when I watch him training and playing, he is a special character.”
Amorim responds to 'Free Kobbie Mainoo' T-shirt
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:13 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has responded to Kobbie Mainoo’s brother after he wore a T-shirt demanding his sibling be “freed” from his troubled season at Manchester United.
He explained: “It was not Kobbie that wore the T-shirt. He is not going to start because of the T-shirt or go to the bench because of it. He is going to play if he is the right player to play. I am not going to do something to Kobbie because someone in his family is doing something.
“So that is not an issue. I’ve been here for a year, it’s not new. We have to deal with it, but I’m not going to do something to Kobbie because someone in his family is doing something. It’s going to be the same. If he’s the right guy to play, he is going to play.”
The surprise star who defines the new type of Premier League playmaker
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:07 , Miguel DelaneyThe article below is an excerpt from the members-only Friday edition of the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter.
To read the full article and get my latest reporting, insight, and commentary delivered straight to your inbox, become a member here.
The surprise star who defines the new type of Premier League playmaker
Aston Villa vs Manchester United predicted line-ups
Sunday 21 December 2025 14:01 , Mike JonesAston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins
Manchester United XI: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mount, Cunha; Sesko
Man Utd early team news
Sunday 21 December 2025 13:56 , Mike JonesManchester United will be without the suspended Casemiro, as well as Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui - who have all left for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are still out, so Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven could continue in defence.
Aston Villa early team news
Sunday 21 December 2025 13:51 , Mike JonesEmiliano Martinez has missed Aston Villa’s last two matches due to injury but could return.
Jadon Sancho is ineligible to face his parent club and Pau Torres remains out for Aston Villa in defence with Victor Lindelof set to face his former side.
How can I watch it?
Sunday 21 December 2025 13:46 , Mike JonesAston Villa vs Manchester United will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League with coverage starting at 3.30pm.
When is Aston Villa vs Manchester United?
Sunday 21 December 2025 13:42 , Mike JonesThe Premier League fixture will kick off at 4:30pm on Sunday 21 December at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Sunday 21 December 2025 13:36 , Mike JonesAston Villa put their Premier League title challenge to the test as they host Manchester United.
Unai Emery’s side have won six games in a row to join Arsenal and Manchester City at the top. Morgan Rogers has been their star man and scored twice in the 3-2 comeback win at West Ham.
Mewanwhile, Ruben Amorim’s side were involved in a 4-4 thriller with Bournemouth on Monday night.
And the United manager criticised a feeling of “entitlement” at the club in what has been a dramatic week.
Good afternoon
Sunday 21 December 2025 13:30 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to live coverage of today’s one and only Premier League clash, as high-flying Aston Villa take on Manchester United.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
