Rashford Strike Sinks Villa.

Manchester United 1 Aston Villa 0

Marcus Rashford came up with the goods again in a match that didn't exactly get the pulses racing but moved United to within touching distance of a top four place at the same time guaranteeing relegation for a poor Aston Villa side.

After earning themselves a place in the FA Cup semi-final, United turned their attention back to the bread and butter of the Premier League and with an outside chance of a top-four finish it was imperative that they dispatched Villa and gained a valuable three points.

Van Gaal decided to freshen up the side with this starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Schneiderlin, Fellaini, Mata, Rooney, Rashford and Memphis.

Valencia, Schneiderlin, Rooney and Memphis all returned to the starting lineup as players were rested bearing in mind the midweek game against Palace followed by the trip to Wembley to tackle Everton in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Smalling had a landmark to celebrate as he made his 200th appearance for the Red Devils.

Villa started the match hoping to get the win that would delay the inevitable for at least one more week. However, it was the home side that enjoyed the early possession and it would be interesting to see how the Rashford and Rooney axis connects. The early signs were positive as Rashford almost picked out his captain with a through ball but Rooney was flagged offside.

The first effort on goal fell to Rojo who headed a cross from a free-kick just over the bar. It was clear early on that the visitors sat too deep in their own half and allowed United to force themselves on them and if that tactic continued then it would be doubtful if it ended 0-0 at half-time for the umpteenth time this season.

A smart passing move between Rashford and Mata as they turned defence into attack ended up with a corner which was almost flicked in by Rojo.

Villa defender Lescott almost converted a Rashford cross from the right wing into his own net which actually was the closest effort on goal for United in the opening twenty-five minutes of play.

The game during the first half hour was like the Manchester weather during the match bright in parts but mainly dull and damp.

Former Red Kieran Richardson tried his luck from distance but his lame effort sailed high over De Gea's bar. Then in the 32nd minute the deadlock and drabness to the match was broken as Rooney played a delightful crossfield ball to the right channel where Valencia picked it up and delivered a low cross into the penalty area and there to meet it was the man of the moment Rashford to sweep home the opener and register his seventh goal in twelve games to continue his dream debut season.

Just before half time Mata was again involved in a build up with some neat interchange passing with Rooney which came to nothing in the end.

The first half ended and United led 1-0 thanks to the youngster who just can't stop putting the ball in the net. It has to be said that Rashford's goal was the only highlight in a pretty uninspiring 45 minutes in which United struggled yet again to create any chance of worth.

It was an unchanged United side that got the second half underway in the sun at Old Trafford hoping to build on the one goal lead they enjoyed.

It was scorer Rashford who almost doubled his tally when he sprang onto a through ball from Mata only to see his effort squirm inches past the post. The youngster also showed his sporting side when he stayed on his feet inside the area following a nudge from Hutton when most players would have gone to ground as if they had been shot. Great to see from the young lad.

Memphis Depay has not had much to shout about this season as his confidence has suffered, but it was nice to see him at least try to be more positive in his approach play and in one such foray he played a teasing ball towards Rooney but the captain's first touch was too heavy.

Memphis, then beat two defenders on the left and played in a low cross which eluded everyone. He followed that up with a curling effort from the edge of the area that was well off target.

Mata almost squeezed the ball in at the near post following a corner, but that was the only chance in the first ten minutes of the second half that threatened to become as stale as Villa's season.

Van Gaal decided that Rooney had had enough of a workout and replaced him with Lingard for the last twenty-five minutes.

Prior to the change Memphis was unceremoniously brought down and got up to take the free-kick himself which fizzed inches over the bar. Then the Dutch winger tracked back into his own area to shoulder barge Ayew off the ball and straight into the advertising hoardings with the force of a man with a point to prove.

A second substitution was made by van Gaal as the match entered its last ten minutes and that was a straight swap up front when Martial replaced local hero Rashford.

Once again Mata almost found a route to goal via the near post when he flicked on another corner that had clearly been practiced on the training ground.

Villa had decided not to go down without a fight as an almighty goalmouth scramble in the last five minutes almost saw them get the ball over the line until Blind cleared, they then followed that up with a strike from Gestede that struck the post. From the next corner, Clark headed goal ward only to see the brilliant De Gea save on his line. Not for the first time this season did the Spaniard come to his teammates rescue.

As the match neared its end Mata was brought off and the talented Fosu-Mensah was given another run out.

Memphis almost rounded off a good display with a goal after Martial had played him through but he just couldn't find the chip needed to get the ball over Guzan who diverted the ball onto the post.

At the final whistle, United celebrated a valuable three points from an uninspiring match that made sure Villa would spend next season in The Championship after 28 years in the top flight. The win moved United up to within only one point of neighbours Man City for a while at least.

Although there wasn't a standout performance from any player in Red there were a few choices for the man of the match, including Rooney, who had a decent return to the starting lineup, Schneiderlin went about his business in his usual no-nonsense style, Mata didn't stop running all day and Memphis at least tried to conjure up something. However, Rashford deserves the plaudits yet again after his goal secured the win.

Next up is the visit of Crystal Palace in the Premier League in midweek then it's off to Wembley for United's first semi-final in the FA Cup since 2011. Everton stand in the way of United reaching the final and lifting their only silverware this season.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Januzaj seizes his chance.

Aston Villa 0 Manchester United 1

Over the last two decades, United's record at Villa Park is an exemplary one to say the least as Aston Villa have not beaten the Old Trafford side at home in the Premier League since August 1995.

That was the infamous defeat that produced the quote 'You can't win anything with kids'. This time they did just that with the kid Januzaj winning the match.

It was up to Louis van Gaal to continue that record going as he took his new-look team to the midlands trying to add his first away win of the season to the opening home defeat of Spurs last weekend.

United enjoyed the perfect start to the season in the 1-0 win over Spurs, albeit by an own goal, as all five of the summer signings had a part to play in the victory with special mention going to Matteo Darmian who had an impressive home debut at right-back and goalkeeper Romero who made a string of saves in the final ten minutes that kept United ahead.

However, it was the performance in the middle of defence of Chris Smalling that stood out as he was a commanding figure playing alongside Daley Blind. The defence came under fire many times from all angles last season, but towards the end of that campaign Smalling raised his game and that continued last week and into this match. The hope among fans is that United will purchase an experienced partner for Smalling before the transfer window closes.

In his pre-match interview, Louis van Gaal declared a clean bill of health for his squad all except Phil Jones who was still suffering from thrombosis in his calf. David De Gea was deemed not to be in the right mindset for the match and the game proved to be too soon for defender Marcos Rojo.

The starting XI chosen by the manager had only one change from the side that featured last week and that was Adnan Januzaj would start in place of former Villan Ashley Young who would begin on the bench.

Line up: Romero, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw, Carrick, Schneiderlin, Mata, Memphis, Januzaj and Rooney.
Subs: Johnstone, Valencia, McNair, Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Young and Hernandez.

1st half: United, wearing their new white away kit, kicked off the game with Januzaj playing slightly behind Rooney in the number 10 position with Memphis taking over wing duties on the left.

The match started with many empty seats in the stadium due to the terrible motorway road works around the area, causing many fans to be late, but that didn't seem to hamper the loud atmosphere.

United got into their stride after five minutes by neatly passing the ball around but without creating any chances. It was a cautious start to try and gain control of the proceedings. In the early exchanges, Januzaj was either knocked off or beaten to the ball far too easily which halted the attacks of the away side.

Former Man City defender Micah Richards wanted United to know he was back in the Premier League by clattering into Morgan Schneiderlin giving away a free-kick on the edge of the box in the 16th minute. The resulting free-kick was whipped over to the far post by Memphis and was met by Schneiderlin who couldn't direct his header on target.

Two minutes later Memphis was almost through on goal but the Villa keeper Guzan reacted quickly to the danger.

Chris Smalling continued his fine form by reading the game at the back so well in the opening 20 minutes clearing all the balls that were played towards United's penalty area.

After 25  minutes, the game was stuck at 0-0 with United on top, but with only half chances falling their way most of which fell to Memphis.

Then in the 29th minute came the opening goal following a great passing move by United that was started by Januzaj and ended with the ball at the young Belgian's feet inside the penalty area after a superb through ball from Mata and as cool as you like he placed the ball into the net even though there were defenders all over the place. The ball took a slight deflection on the way, but it didn't matter as that was a brilliantly worked goal.

1-0 to United and fully deserved as Villa had not produced any attack of note.

The home side did manage to get into United's face after the goal, but the away defence stood firm and Smalling and his defensive colleagues mopped everything up.

Half time and United were deserving of their slight lead, but in fairness the match was one sided and it's was a shame United hadn't been able to add to the score. Villa, for a side playing at home, were very poor and offered nothing in the way of a threat on Romero's goal. United just needed to keep the possession as they had in the first 45 minutes and the game would be theirs for the taking.

2nd half: The game started with no changes made by van Gaal and with the away fans in fine voice as ever.

Villa had the first chance of the half, but Ayew fired well over without even troubling Romero when he really should have done better with the home side's first real chance of the match.

United looked solid and were defending higher up the pitch to give Villa little chance of mounting any serious attacks and when they did the back four tidied up or Villa's final passing was wasteful. Even their free-kicks amounted to nothing.

In the 54th minute, Agbonlahor planted a header from a corner goalwards but Romero showed good strong hands by catching the ball on the line. The home fans naturally started to get behind their side, urging them to attack which they started to do, but of course that left them open to United's counter-attacks.

Then just before the hour mark Louis van Gaal decided to strengthen the side by making a double substitution as he brought on birthday boy Herrera and Schweinsteiger to replace scorer Januzaj and Carrick.

The plan seemed to work as United blunted Villa's forward play from midfield and began once again to control the match. Herrera received an early present from Villa's Amavi when he had a very late lunge on the Spaniard's shins.

After 70 minutes United was playing some lovely football, especially the two amigos Herrera and Mata who were linking well down the right hand side add that to the work rate of Shaw and Memphis on the opposite wing and all that was needed was another goal to make the game safe.

Two minutes later Mata produced the pass of the match to put Memphis clean through, however, the forward put his effort wide when the whole ground was certain that he would score. It was a great chance for the winger to open his United account but more will come for the Dutch youngster with the pace he has.

77 minutes in and Herrera picked up the first yellow card for United after a foul out of frustration after he had been upended a few times himself and got nothing from the referee Mike Dean.

For the second match running Memphis was replaced in the last ten minutes this time by Ashley Young, who received his customary boos from the home crowd.  A like for like change on the left. The substitution was quickly followed by United's second caution of the match for Darmian.

United tried their best to kill the game off during the final minutes but failed to do so and the game ended in a 1-0 victory for the Red Devils.

A solid professional performance and at times a bruising outing for Louis van Gaal's side who never looked in any doubt to secure their first away win of the season and made it a positive start to the new campaign with a second successive victory.

To be fair Villa is a work in progress and they didn't give United any cause for concern. It would have been great if United had cemented their superiority and added to the scoreline, having said that a win is a win plus another clean sheet is always a bonus.

There were a handful of players that stood out during the game Smalling, Darmian and Schneiderlin. However, the man of the match award has to go to Juan Mata as it was his vision that opened up the Villa defence time and time again and if the forwards had been on target from his assists then it would have been a higher winning goal margin. All the more reason van Gaal should strengthen the forward line with an out and out goalscorer.

United will face Newcastle United at Old Trafford in the Premier League next Saturday in another early kick-off but before that there is the small matter of the return of the Champions League this coming Tuesday as United will take on Club Brugge at Old Trafford in the first leg of the qualifying match.

The United squad is full of experienced internationals old and new who should be able to carry the team into the group stages of the competition that the Red Devils have won on three occasions.

There is no escaping United's illustrious history in the competition and even the new signings will be swept along on the tide of support that comes whenever there is a European match at the Theatre of Dreams.

Until next time thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Three is the magic number for United.

Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 1

Three goals, three points and third place.

At last, after the International break it was a welcome return to the Premier League where the run-in for the final four places for Champions League qualification started in earnest.

Before the break, United had the wind behind them as they swept away Spurs and Liverpool to open a gap between themselves and sat in a promising looking fourth place. In their sights were Arsenal and Man City.

You had to wonder whether United's  momentum would be slightly stalled due to the enforced break.
There was good news in that no player picked up an injury while away on duty, all except Chris Smalling, who had to leave the pitch playing for England due to an illness.

The last eight games will define United's season and first up was the visit to Old Trafford of Aston Villa and their new manager Tim Sherwood.

The last time the teams played was at Villa Park in December, when a Falcao header rescued a point for a stuttering United against ten men Villa.

Louis van Gaal made one change to the starting eleven that defeated Liverpool and that was Rojo who replaced Smalling.

The team: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Carrick, Mata, Herrera, Fellaini, Young and Rooney. On the bench were Da Silva, Di Maria, Falcao, Januzaj, Valdes, McNair and Pereira.

It was good to see that van Gaal continued to have faith in the players who have served him well over the last month.

Villa kicked the match off in the Old Trafford sunshine with United attacking the scoreboard end on a pitch that looked perfect for the match ahead.

As expected, former Villan Ashley Young was booed from his very first touch by the away fans, how long has it been since he left Villa?

It was Young who was first to try his luck with a run and shot that was blocked in the third minute.
60 seconds later United were denied a clear cut penalty as Rooney was held back in the box by defender Clark.

Fellaini received a through ball and played a nice little pass to the captain who was in on goal until he was hauled back by Clark. How that was not a penalty only the referee Roger East knows.

Villa went straight down the other end and nearly caused confusion in the United area which could have been worse before being cleared.

Fellaini started the match well proving that LvG's assessment of him in the pre-match press conference was spot on. His performances had earned him an automatic starting place.

On 9 minutes there was a superb run by Young into the opposing area which created a scoring chance for Anfield hero Mata who was standing unmarked on the penalty spot. He side-footed a shot towards goal but it was blocked by the defence.

One minute later Mata himself had a run and cross which was cleared for a corner.

10 mins in and it was exciting attacking play from the Red Devils.

After 16 minutes Rooney chased a through ball but was adjudged to have fouled the defender on the edge of the box. If that was a free-kick then the earlier foul on Rooney was a clear cut penalty.

In the first 20 minutes, it was pleasing to see that the home side hadn't lost the drive to attack that they showed before the enforced international break. They just needed to get that all important first goal.

Both Young and Mata were the live wires in United's attack as they were involved in all of the approach play.

Then out of the blue in the 23rd minute Marcos Rojo let fly from distance with a left foot thunderbolt which keeper Guzan managed to get his fingertips to and touched it over the crossbar, great strike and equally great save.

Villa did have their own spells of attacking play but lacked any threat to David de Gea's goal.

In the 26th minute, Valencia crossed from the right into the path of Rooney then the captain tried the acrobatics with an overhead shot but unfortunately didn't manage to connect properly with the ball. That would have been special.

On the half hour mark, the play had gone a little quiet as both teams failed to keep up the momentum of the first twenty minutes.

Play was held up ten minutes before half time for attention to an injury to Villa's Hutton, this gave a chance for United to receive instructions from the sidelines as to how to break down the resolute Villa defence.

Following the delay in play Young fired over yet another wicked cross which Guzan managed to punch clear before any United player could get a touch on the ball.

Young again tried his luck after a nice ball from Carrick but once again it was blocked by the defence.

It did seem that Ashley Young was on a personal mission against his old side.

41 minutes on the clock and Daley Blind almost steered the ball low into the corner of the net however Guzan managed to save his deflected shot at the last second.

Then in the 43rd minute Old Trafford erupted as Young and Blind combined down the left to lay the ball into the path of Ander Herrera who smacked a low left-footed shot into the far corner of the goal. A fantastic strike which was cooly taken by the Spaniard.

The goal was exactly what United needed and their play fully deserved the lead.

Herrera followed the goal up with a fabulous crossfield pass to Young who in turn delivered the ball into the box where both Rooney and Rojo had chances to double the lead but failed to do so.

The first half ended with United only leading 1-0 as it should really have been more and it would have been if not for the Villa defence, the goalkeeper and the referee.

No changes were made by van Gaal at the start of the second half and as he strode down the touchline he looked distinctly pleased with how everything was going. Let's hope he would still be smiling after ninety minutes.

United started the half as they had finished the first on the attack, as Fellaini managed to get his head to a cross, but couldn't direct it on goal in front of the anticipating Stretford End.

On 48 minutes, Carrick was fouled near the edge of the box but the free kick was taken too quickly and from the clearance Villa counter attacked. If not for a miskick from Benteke they could have equalised.

All the more reason United needed a second goal quickly to give themselves some breathing space.
A few minutes later and there was Ashley Young with his trademark cut inside and right footed shot which was only slightly wide of the post.

At the back, Phil Jones was enjoying one of his better games for a long while up against Benteke and was getting well and truly clattered in doing so.

In the 55th minute Rooney won a free-kick in a promising position which he left for Mata to take but the sun must have been in his eyes as the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar, that's the excuse I would have given.

Just before the hour mark Young switched to the right wing to try his luck from there but hastily returned to his favoured left when a few exchanges between himself and Valencia didn't come off.

Like the first half there was a period of ten minutes when the play from both sides fell flat but normal service was restored when Valencia sent over a delightful cross which Fellaini should have done better with as he tried to place his header downward rather than thump it home.

This seemed to bring the match back to life.

Old bad habits in United's defence re-surfaced in the 66th minute as they played the ball agonisingly around the edge of their own area, which displeased the home support. We all know from past experiences what can happen when the team does that.

Two minutes later  Rooney almost doubled United's lead with an effort using the outside of his boot which just flashed wide.

As the match entered the last twenty minutes you got feeling that fresh legs were needed and so it proved as Louis van Gaal made his first change of the day by taking off the hardworking Young and replacing him with Angel di Maria.

The Argentine had 20 mins to prove himself in front of the fans who dearly want him to be a success at Old Trafford.

On 71 minutes, Mata won a corner which was punched clear by the keeper straight into the path of Blind who had his sight on goal blocked by the referee.

A few minutes later, Rojo gave away a free kick on the edge of the area from which Okore almost managed to head in.

United's second change came a minute later when Fellaini was replaced by Falcao, who like Di Maria, had a point to prove to the doubters in the ranks.

Then in the 78th minute Wayne Rooney produced a moment of brilliance that made it 2-0. He somehow managed to control a cross from Di Maria with his back to goal with his left foot and hit a half volley while spinning 180 degrees with his right that sailed into the roof of the net.

It was a truly fantastic strike and a wonderful assist from Di Maria, which takes his total to ten for the season.

The home fans celebrations were slightly muted as a minute later Benteke scored for Villa from a corner with a shot that squirmed under the body of De Gea to set up a nervy last 10 minutes.
In all honesty, I believe that is the first mistake David de Gea has made all season.

Di Maria broke away at speed in the 86th minute but, unfortunately, there was no teammate able to keep up with him so the move broke down.

Since the changes of players, United seemed to lose a little of the zest they had in the first hour of the match. Apart from a couple of corners they didn't manage to trouble Villa that much.

Then in the 91st minute came the icing on the cake when Herrera scored his second and United's third after fine approach play from Rooney and Mata.

They combined together on the right-hand side of the box to play the ball into the path of Herrera who delightfully side-footed the ball into the net.

3-1 up and game over.

The home side fully deserved their win and the quality of their play at times was reminiscent of days gone by. All three goals were of the highest calibre especially Rooney's who now has another strike to add to his masterpiece collection.

Ander Herrera capped a man of the match display with his two excellent goals and together with his compatriot Mata are proving their value to the team's progress up the table.

United worked hard for their three points and moved above Man City into third place, at least until Monday. After which the two teams will meet at Old Trafford next weekend in a match that now has more riding on it than local bragging rights.

The way United are gelling as a team I can see no reason why they can't beat City and take one step closer to finishing above their noisy neighbours.

With only seven games remaining United stand in good stead and you get the feeling that the team are ready to end the season on a high.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

How will United end the season?

Manchester United's Premier League run-in.

As there is no Premier League this weekend due to the latest round of International games, I thought I would take the opportunity of looking ahead to United's last eight matches of the season and share how I feel the run-in will play out.

United are currently in fourth position after soundly beating Spurs and Liverpool in their last two outings. By doing so, they have earned themselves some breathing space with the teams behind them and can start looking at clawing their way past Arsenal and Man City.

There is a total of 24 points available and providing the players remain fit and Louis van Gaal sticks to the winning formula I don't see why we can't aim high.

Whisper it quietly but there is still a mathematical chance of United finishing as Champions, but I wouldn't want to jinx that as surely it's a step too far for this season.

Looking at the fixture schedule ahead United have four home games and four away none of which look like being that big a problem for the Red Devils.

Let's take a look at each match individually.

Aston Villa (h)

The first meeting at Villa Park this season finished all square at 1-1 thanks to an equaliser from Falcao against ten man Villa. Since then Villa have replaced their manager with Tim Sherwood who took over from Paul Lambert.

However, their fortunes have not really changed in the Premier League as they are still in the bottom reaches hovering dangerously over the relegation places.

It's a different story in the FA Cup where they will meet either Blackburn or Liverpool in the semi-final. Since United were knocked out by Arsenal in the last round Villa have become my tip for the Cup.

Prediction: United players to return fresh from the Internationals and continue their good form by thumping Villa 4-0 as the visitors eyes will be on the FA Cup and later relegation battles.

Danger man: Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Manchester City (h)

At last a chance to seek revenge after the 0-1 defeat to City at The Etihad back in November. It looks like Chelsea will beat City to the title and it would be great for United to finish above our noisy neighbours and pip them to the runners-up spot.

Since the turn of the year, City's results have been up and down and this was summed up by their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Burnley.

After crashing out of the Champions League, it looks like City will end the season empty handed amid rumours that a successor to Pellegrini has already been lined up.

Prediction: United to run out 3-1 winners and add City to another of the so called big name scalps we have taken his season.

Danger man: Aguero.


Chelsea (a)

Louis van Gaal's first meeting in the Premier League against his protege Jose Mourinho took place at Old Trafford in October and ended 1-1 after a late, late strike from Dutchman Robin van Persie.

United have enjoyed their travels down to the capital this season all the more reason that they should visit Stamford Bridge full of confidence especially with their track record against the top six teams.

In all honesty, Chelsea should be close to wrapping up the league by the time we play. If they are not then it will be their own undoing as it's their title to lose.

This match will be of equal importance to both sides so I can see a cautious game that could be decided on a mistake at the back. Hopefully not by us.

Prediction: The game to end 1-1 with both teams happy to take a point in another tactical battle between the managers.

Danger man: Eden Hazard.


Everton (a)

David de Gea saved United when the two clubs met at Old Trafford at the beginning of October. The saves he made in the last few minutes of the game ensured United came out on top 2-1 and of course not forgetting the penalty he saved from Baines.

On that day, both the United goals were scored by Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao but since then the two have hardly set the league alight. Both finding it hard to get any rhythm going.

I'm sure Fellaini and Rooney will relish the return to Goodison Park to face their former club and with the great season they are having I can foresee them turning out to be the match winners.

Prediction: United to repeat the same scoreline from the first meeting 2-1 hopefully without David de Gea having to turn on the heroics again. This will also give LvG a good chance to take a closer look at full-back Seamus Coleman who has continually been linked with a move to the Red Devils.

Danger man: Aaron Lennon.


WBA (h)

The first match against WBA was another draw for United on their travels against lower opposition. This time it was a 2-2 draw in October with goals from Fellaini and Blind rescuing a point for the reds when they really should have won.

Since then WBA have been flirting within the bottom reaches of the league and are sitting eight points above the relegation spots.

They changed their manager in January by replacing Alan Irvine with relegation experienced Tony Pulis who should keep them clear of the drop as the teams below them are playing worse.

Their last outing was a 3-0 defeat by Man City a match in which they showed a lack of conviction.

Prediction: 3-0. It should be a mixture of emotions for the returning former red Darren Fletcher. If he plays he will undoubtedly receive a standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful, but that will be the only hand of friendship United will offer.

Danger man: James Morrison.


Crystal Palace (a)

Yet another trip to the capital and a tricky match against a team that has been revitalised by new manager Alan Pardew. Palace has pace in abundance up front and that could cause the United defence some problems.

Former United winger Zaha will be licking his lips at the chance to put one over Louis van Gaal just as Danny Welbeck did for Arsenal at Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter-final.

United won the first match at Old Trafford with a late Mata strike, but I can't see too many problems at Selhurst Park.

Prediction: United to win 2-1. A close match full of action but United to continue their good form in London by returning back up North with all three points in the bank.

Danger man: Wilfried Zaha.



Arsenal (h)

This will be the third meeting between the two rivals and it's one win apiece with United coming out on top in the league, but Arsenal balanced the books in the FA Cup.

Arsenal are favourites to lift the FA Cup, but I believe they will not therefore ending the season empty handed like United.

So, the focus on this penultimate league match will be for who finishes the highest.

The United players will be up for this match with the added incentive of gaining revenge for the cup loss. Not that United need any incentive when they play Arsene Wenger's side.

Prediction: United to win their last match of the season at Old Trafford 3-1 to round off a good season against the big clubs.

With a lap of honour but with no silverware to show I believe that the manager, his staff and the players will still feel the full support of the fans after a great end to the season.

Danger man: Olivier Giroud.


Hull City (a)

Here we are at the last match of the season away at Hull who we beat 3-0 earlier in the season.
Managed by former United legend Steve Bruce Hull have again failed to keep themselves out of danger and as I write this they are only three points away from a relegation place.

However as my choices of teams to go down don't include Hull I believe by the time they play United they will be already safe.

Prediction: United to end the season on a high and bang in the goals at the KC stadium as a marker for next season. 4-1 to the Red Devils.

Danger man: Abel Hernandez.



There you have it and if all goes according to my predictions United will end the season with seven wins and one draw to guarantee a Champions League place. And to finish above City would be even sweeter.

Then the hard work begins for LvG preparing for the challenges of next season especially in the transfer market.

Thanks for reading and whatever happens I hope you enjoy the remaining weeks of the season.

Miles Dunton.

Man United held by ten-man Villa.

Villa Park is a stadium which holds fond memories for the United team and the fans. Throughout football history, it has been a happy hunting ground, as we have enjoyed many glorious matches there.

Who can forget the scenes that followed the 'goal of the century' by Ryan Giggs in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal in 1999, on the way to the historic 'treble'

You have to go all the back to the opening day of the 1995-96 season, for the last time Villa won against United at home. That day Sir Alex Ferguson's side, featuring youngsters such as Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and David Beckham, went down 3-1 in a result which prompted BBC pundit Alan Hansen to famously utter this classic comment: "You don't win anything with kids." How wrong he was proved to be.

The Manchester United team news, which didn't include any kids, had Louis van Gaal giving a start to Falcao up front, but more surprising was the choice of Darren Fletcher in midfield. This was due to undisclosed illnesses to Fellaini and Herrera.


Michael Carrick started the match in the middle of a back three along with Jonny Evans and Phil Jones in front of recent hero David de Gea.

Then there was Young and Valencia out wide with Fletcher and Rooney in the middle, Mata sat in the hole behind the strikers Falcao and Robin van Persie. On the bench were two players coming back from injury, Angel Di Maria and Da Silva.

United enjoyed the majority of possession in the early exchanges without creating any clear chances, but unfortunately Villa took the lead on 17 minutes, when from a free kick Benteke chested down in the penalty area, then without a serious challenge from the United defence, shimmied and curled a left-footed shot across three United players and past de Gea, who to be fair didn't stand a chance. A goal against the run of play, but a warning that this wasn't going to go all United's way.

Villa showed that they had the pace up front to worry the United defenders and on one such break their forwards were bearing down on goal, but without a brilliant tackle from Jonny Evans it could have been a lot worse for United.

On the half hour, Young nearly shoved the boos back down the Villans throats, when his curling shot come cross almost sneaked in at the far post if it hadn't been for Villa keeper Guzan managing to palm it to safety.

United's attacking play cried out for some invention as it was all so predictable, lots of the ball but no imagination, it was crying out for someone to work some magic. Sadly not many magicians were on show.

Falcao's first chance came on 23 minutes when he was played through by van Persie, in the end he shot tamely under pressure. The best play was coming from United's right flank via Valencia, but the Villa defence dealt with any crosses that came over.

It was a poor first 45 minutes for the Red Devils, and even though they had the ball in danger areas they had nothing to show for it.

At the start of the second half, it was no great surprise to see van Gaal make a change by bringing on Tyler Blackett for Fletcher. This meant that Carrick moved up into his preferred midfield role.
Right from the off the United back three, without Carrick marshaling them were in trouble as the trio of Blackett, Jones and Evans struggled to deal with Benteke, Jones just managing to block his shot. From the resulting corner de Gea made an important tip over from a Benteke header.

In the 50th minute van Persie forced a save from Guzan as United tried to convert their chances. The main objective, apart from equalising, was to keep the ball away from United's defence.

The pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Young made a surge down the left and delivered a superb pinpoint cross, a cross which Falcao met with his head to give the keeper no chance.

In a rare show of emotion van Gaal punched the air with delight as Falcao raced to share his joy with the away fans.

After the equaliser came a push by United to find a quick goal and van Persie came closest with an overhead attempt.

On the hour mark came United's second substitution with Di Maria, making his return from injury, replacing van Persie. Straight away Di Maria was pressing forward and had three rather tame shots on goal, unfortunately, all were easily dealt with by Guzan in the Villa goal.

Then on 64 minutes the match heated up as Agbonlahor was red-carded for a foul on Young. He had a case for protesting as the replays showed it was a 50/50 challenge, but the referee decided he had gone over the top on Young. This not only left Villa down to ten men, but the boos for Young reached new decibels every time he touched the ball.


The 73rd minute saw another change as James Wilson was brought on for Antonio Valencia. Young was switched to the right and Di Maria patrolled the left wing.

That was a decision I didn't understand as the balance of the team would have been better served with Valencia staying on as he had been performing well down the right flank.

In contrast to Young who was having a torrid time with the Villa fans, and to take him out of that atmosphere would have made sense.

This was proven by the numerous opportunities he had to put in crosses from the right wing, but his deliveries on many attempts were below standard compared to his cross for Falcao's goal.

United had a flurry of corners and saw one cause confusion in the Villa box, but Falcao just couldn't reach the ball in time before it was put out of play by the Villa defence.

Towards the end of the match Villa came the closest to snatching the winner with a strike from Bacuna that just flew over a relieved de Gea's crossbar.

At the other end, Wilson had a lovely effort in the last minute but it lacked any power, how sweet that would have been for the youngster to grab the winner and the headlines.


Once again United toiled in a game that they should have won fairly easily bearing in mind Villa's injury list, and the fact that they were playing against ten men for the last twenty minutes. Only getting into their groove after the half-time change, which saw Fletcher depart and Carrick moved into the middle.

Carrick showing once again how brilliant the new vice-captain has been since returning from injury. He adapted so easily to the change in the system during the match. It's no great surprise that the team has still not lost this season when he has been in the side.

Darren Fletcher looked out of sorts in the middle of the park. and he didn't help himself by giving away the free kick that led to the Villa opener. Having been stripped of the vice-captaincy in favour of Carrick, you have to wonder how he fits into van Gaal's future plans, if at all.

He only started the match as both Fellaini and Herrera were not well enough to play. Fletcher has given the club great service over the last ten or so seasons, and has overcome a serious illness to get back into the team; however, in all fairness to him, if all the midfielders were fit he probably wouldn't get a look in.

This was a case of two points dropped at the end of the day. A few months ago I never thought I would be saying this, but our midfield missed Fellaini's presence, and I thought Mata had his first poor match for a while.

Having said all that, after six straight wins, a draw away from home is not the end of the world, and compared to when things were not going United's way at the beginning of the season this has been a good few weeks for the red devils.

We are now unbeaten in the last seven games. The team, under van Gaal's leadership, is still moving in the right direction and remain in third place.

Next up is the visit to Old Trafford of Newcastle United on Boxing day quickly followed two days later by United's last match of 2014, an away trip to the capital to take on Spurs. I fully expect United to end the year with two more wins that will send us flying into 2015.

I would like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas and thanks for all your continued support by reading my blogs.

Miles Dunton.

Players that have been Devils & Villans.

With Manchester United playing Aston Villa at Villa Park this Saturday, I thought I would take a look at some of the players who have turned out for both teams ahead of this weekend's clash.

Jimmy Rimmer.

Manchester United: 1965–1974 App: 45 (1 sub)

A Lancashire lad, Rimmer joined Manchester United as a schoolboy in 1963, turning professional two years later. He spent eleven years at Old Trafford, chiefly as Alex Stepney's understudy. He was a substitute in the 1968 European Cup final and received a winners medal despite not getting on the pitch. 

With Stepney ruling between the sticks. Rimmer only managed to play 46 times for United in total. In 1973 he went to Swansea City on loan and impressed as first-team goalkeeper, enough that Arsenal signed him from United in February 1974, eyeing him as a long-term replacement for Bob Wilson. He stayed until 1977 when he enjoyed a spell of six years at Aston Villa.

In 1982 Villa reached the European Cup final, but Rimmer was injured after only nine minutes and had to be replaced by the young Nigel Spink. However, Villa beat Bayern Munich 1-0, meaning Rimmer became the second player in history to get a European Cup winners' medal at two different clubs, despite the fact that he only played in one match.

Paul McGrath.

Manchester United: 1982–1989 App: 192 (7 sub)

McGrath moved to Manchester United in 1982 when Ron Atkinson was the manager of United. In his formative years he was used in midfield but as time progressed he became a standout center half. He won the FA Cup in 1985 when United defeated Everton at Wembley and was even named man of the match, a match that was remembered for the first red card in an FA Cup final with the sending off of his defensive partner Kevin Moran.

When Alex Ferguson took over from Atkinson in 1986 the drinking culture began to rear it's head, at the center was McGrath, and that's when things began to take a turn for the worse. McGrath, due to chronic knee problems and alcohol addiction, was offered retirement along with a testimonial, and a substantial financial package by a frustrated Ferguson, as the manager believed that McGrath's best days were past. In the end Aston Villa bought him for £400,000 in 1989.

McGrath went on to play for the Villans until 1996, making over 250 appearances, and The Republic of Ireland, in which time he cemented his place as one of the finest center half's in the country.

Dion Dublin.

Manchester United: 1992–1994 App: 6 (11 Sub)

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson bought Dublin for £1 million on 7 August 1992, fighting off competition from Chelsea and Everton. Dublin was something of a surprise purchase for United, after Ferguson had tried to sign Alan Shearer from Southampton but lost out to Blackburn Rovers.

He must be one of the unluckiest players because after hitting the highs of scoring a last minute winner in United's first Premier league victory against Southampton at The Dell, his world came tumbling back to earth, as he suffered a broken leg against Crystal Palace in a 1–0 win at Old Trafford, which meant he missed the next six months. 

In his injury absence Fergie bought Eric Cantona and the rest as they say is history. And it was history for Dublin as United won the league that season for the first time since 1967. He failed to make the 10 Premier League appearances required to automatically gain a title winner's medal. However, he was given a medal as a result of special dispensation from the Premier League, meaning the late goalkeeper Les Sealey was the only major first team player not to get a medal.

The following season after only making a handful of appearances he was sold to Coventry City for £2 million pounds doubling the amount United had paid for him. He later joined Villa in 1998 and stayed there for six years.

Peter Schmeichel.

Manchester United: 1991–1999 App: 398

Bought by Ferguson for an absolute bargain at only £500,000 the great Dane won everything possible at United including five FA Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. No wonder Alex Ferguson described his purchase of Schmeichel as the "bargain of the century."

Named the World's Best Goalkeeper in 1992 and 1993. The season United won the first Premier League in 1993, he kept 22 clean sheets. He rapidly built a solid defensive unit with Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister as his two center backs. His huge frame intimidated strikers as they would try and shoot past him only to see the way blocked by him making himself as large as possible, looking like a huge starfish, to block their attempts.

Schmeichel ended his Manchester United career on the highest note possible, when he and United won the Treble, the FA Premier League title, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, in the same season. He captained the side in the absence of suspended Roy Keane in the Champions League final, which happened to be his last match as a United player. So important was he to United that they struggled to find a worthy successor until the signing of David de Gea more than a decade later. Schmeichel left United to ply his trade in Portugal with Sporting but returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa in 2001 for a season.

Eric Djemba-Djemba.

Manchester United: 2003-2005 App: 27 (sub 12)

The player who was so good they had to name him twice. Djemba-Djemba rose to prominence with Nantes in France. His impressive performances as a feisty and uncompromising tackler for the French club earned him a dream move to Manchester United for £3.5 million in the summer of 2003, signed by Alex Ferguson as a possible eventual successor to the 31-year-old Roy Keane. But in his 18 months at Old Trafford, Djemba-Djemba found it difficult to maintain a period of form, and he was eventually unable to establish himself as a player capable of cleaning, let alone filling, captain Roy Keane's boots.

Out of all Fergie's signings this is one that really fell flat on it's face, and he and the fans were put out of their misery in 2005 when he was sold to Aston Villa for half of what United had paid. He stayed at Villa until 2007.

Dwight Yorke.

Manchester United: 1998-2002 App: 120 (sub 32)

With a smile as wide as the ship canal, and a personality to match, Yorke arrived at Old Trafford in August 1998 from Aston Villa for £12.6 million. At Villa he was a firm fans favourite for his goal exploits. So you can imagine their displeasure when Alex Ferguson came a knocking. The Villa manager at the time was John Gregory, who was famously attributed to saying that he would shoot Yorke if he had had a gun in his office when Yorke asked for the move to go ahead.

He immediately became a huge hit at Old Trafford, and quickly built up a lethal partnership with Andy Cole. A partnership that helped United to the incredible treble in 1999. Altogether he scored 64 goals for Manchester United in 188 appearances. But it will be his telepathy with Cole that put the fear of god into defenders at home and abroad.

Rumoured to have had a fall out with Fergie, about his public private life, he was sold to Blackburn in 2002 after only four seasons. In that time his goals had helped United to win the Premier League title three times, and made sure the team regained the Champions League trophy for the first time since 1968.

Ashley Young.

Manchester United: 2011 - present. App: 95 (to date)

In the Summer of 2011, Manchester United bought Young from Villa for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £18 million. Young had been at Villa since 2007. Ferguson beat Liverpool to the signing and he agreed a five-year deal with the winger. His first season started brightly with assists and goals, which included a brace in an 8–2 victory against Arsenal at Old Trafford. 

Young made his debut in the UEFA Champions League against Basel, scoring a headed goal in the 90th minute to help Manchester United to a 3–3. Then a long term injury kept Young out and he struggled to find his form upon his return. In the last couple of seasons he has been accused of diving to try and gain an unfair advantage for the team, and was ridiculed on the internet by his critics.

Under the new management and playing system of Louis van Gaal, Young is at present enjoying a mini revival of his fortunes, and is displaying his defensive qualities as well as his ability to create chances, which has helped the team to six successive wins in the league.

Tom Cleverley.

Manchester United: 2005- present (on loan at Aston Villa 2014-15) App: 63 (sub 16)

Cleverley rose through Manchester United's youth system to become the Reserves captain, and was nominated for the prestigious Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award in 2007-08. Following successful loan spells at Leicester, Watford and Wigan Athletic, Cleverley made his United debut in August 2011 and was soon a feature of the Reds' exciting start to the season. But a serious foot injury sustained at Bolton kept him out until October and a further setback sidelined him until February. He was then used only a few times in the at the end of the season and ended the campaign having made 15 first-team appearances.

Paul Scholes' retirement before the 2011–12 season left an opening in Manchester United's central midfield. Cleverley had been identified by manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a potential homegrown replacement for Scholes. However that never quite materialised for the player, even when David Moyes took over from Ferguson.

During the Summer with the signings at United of Ander Herrera, Angel Di María, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw & Radamel Falcao, Cleverley found himself on the outside of the Manchester United squad under Louis van Gaal. He attracted interest from many clubs, but chose Aston Villa. Villa made an initial bid of £8 million for Cleverley, but baulked at his wage demands. Everton then came in with an offer of £5 million but that was rejected. Villa revived their interest with a loan bid on transfer deadline day. Following his loan move with just a year left on his United contract, Cleverley admitted that his career at Old Trafford was over.

Other players not featured but played for both clubs include: John Gidman, Stan Crowther. Willie Anderson, Frank Barson and Les Sealey.

Miles Dunton.