Aston Villa 1-3 Manchester United: 5 talking points as Red Devils mount another comeback victory | Premier League 2020-21

Bruno Fernandes scored for the 27th time this season as Manchester United kept Manchester City waiting
Bruno Fernandes scored for the 27th time this season as Manchester United kept Manchester City waiting

Manchester City's title celebrations were put on hold once again as Manchester United fought back from a goal down to beat Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park on Sunday.

Bertrand Traore's first-half opener made no difference as goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani after the break ensured another comeback victory for the Red Devils.

During a cagey opening half where the visitors failed to create many chances, they fell behind after a defensive mix-up culminated in Traore receiving the ball and slamming home from a tight angle.

Once again, the Red Devils were left needing a strong performance in the second half and produced exactly that, netting thrice as Villa were blown away by the onslaught.

Manchester United remain 10 points behind champions-elect City with a game in hand but have strengthened their place in the top four.

Here are the major talking points from the clash:


#1 Manchester United, the comeback kings of Europe!

Cavani sealed it for Manchester United with a late strike
Cavani sealed it for Manchester United with a late strike

Manchester United falling behind in an away match and then fighting back to secure all three points - does that ring a bell? The side have made a reputation as the comeback kings this season and burnished the same with another come-from-behind victory today.

A lackluster opening stanza from the Red Devils left them with a deficit at the break. But they got their act together in the second half and dominated the proceedings to secure a win, making it 28 points claimed from losing positions in away games this season, more than any side in Europe's top-five leagues.


#2 Villa pounce on sloppy defending from United

Traore rounded off a wonderful move by Villa
Traore rounded off a wonderful move by Villa

Manchester United are a formidable side but not without their flaws. They've conceded plenty of goals in recent weeks and defensive issues propped up again today as a mix-up at the back culminated in a goal for Villa.

John McGinn easily pinned the ball away from Scott McTominay before squaring it to Douglas Luiz, who then passed to Traore, with the midfielder then beating Lindelof to fire into the top corner. The Swede, in particular, could've done better there.

#3 Greenwood continues his resurgence

Greenwood's form cannot be ignored any longer
Greenwood's form cannot be ignored any longer

With five goals from as many leaguegames heading into today, Mason Greenwood was getting back in form just in time for the Euros and bagged another one against Villa to continue his resurgence.

It was a clinical finish from him, one which perfectly encapsulated his ferocious scoring touch and which has made him a star at the club. His upturn in form will bode well for Gareth Southgate, who had ostracized Greenwood last time for a misdemeanor, but would be remiss if he leaves him out of England's 23-man squad for the Euros.


#4 Villa let their guard down in second-half

Villa crumbled from this moment onwards
Villa crumbled from this moment onwards

The Clarets succumbed to United's fast start to the second-half like a house of cards and conceded a penalty just six minutes in which sparked the comeback. There was no coming back from it thereafter for them.

For the rest of the game, the home side were left chasing shadows as Manchester United moved the ball around quickly and pushed Villa on the back foot with a high-press, as cameras regularly panned on Jack Grealish, whose return is desperately awaited by the club.


#5 Maguire's injury spells concern for Manchester United

Maguire went off injured towards the end, worrying Manchester United
Maguire went off injured towards the end, worrying Manchester United

The only sour note for Manchester United today was the injury to Harry Maguire, who limped off towards the end. This will be a cause for concern for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the business end of the season.

The boss later revealed that the player sustained a knock to his knee after falling down awkwardly and will be tested to ascertain the extent of his layoff.

It's going to be a long, anxious wait for the Manchester United fans who'll be hoping to have the defender back for the Europa League final in three weeks' time.

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Edited by S Chowdhury