Rasmus Højlund scored his first Premier League goal after more than 1,000 minutes of action as Manchester United rallied from two goals down to defeat Aston Villa 3-2 at Old Trafford.
More disastrous Villa took a 2-0 first-half lead thanks to set-piece goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker, a characteristic of United’s poor season so far. After Dendoncker’s goal and as the home team made its way to the tunnel for halftime, boos rang out over Old Trafford, which has been a regular fixture of United’s home matches.
However, United turned the game on its head in the second half thanks to an amazing display of spirit, which has been severely lacking in Erik ten Hag’s side this season. Manchester United drew level with 20 minutes remaining thanks to two goals from teenager Alejandro Garnacho, before Hjlund’s brilliant strike eight minutes from time ended the Dane’s nightmarish goal drought in the Premier League and delivered three crucial points for Ten Hag.
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“You’re losing [at halftime] by two set plays, so maybe we weren’t so focused,” Ten Hag said after the game to Prime Sport. “But I think we played quite well in the first half and kept trying.” “Believe in that even if you’re two goals down.” It makes no difference. Continue to exhibit character, which I believe they did today. We have the personality for it, and today was a great team effort.”
United were on a poor run of form heading into Tuesday’s Boxing Day fixture, having failed to score in four consecutive matches and picking up just one point from four Premier League games. Even as United fought back, Aston Villa took advantage of a series of opportunities to ruin Ten Hag’s Christmas. The fact that the team was able to hold on to the victory will have come as a huge relief, not least because David Brailsford was in attendance at Old Trafford.
The game on Tuesday was the first since British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe completed a deal to buy a 25% stake in the club, and while Brailsford, a British cycling coach and the Director of Sport at Ratcliffe’s INEOS company, will no doubt be encouraged by the comeback, he will also be well aware of the monumental task ahead of him.
Ratcliffe addressed an open letter to the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust ahead of the game, underscoring the “critical role of the fans” in the club’s future. “I believe we can bring sporting success on the field to complement the club’s undeniable commercial success.” “Time and patience, as well as rigor and the highest level of professional management,” Ratcliffe wrote.
“You and Manchester United are both ambitious. There are no guarantees in sports, and change takes time, but we are in it for the long haul, and we want to work together to return Manchester United to its rightful place at the top of English, European, and global football.
“I take that responsibility very seriously.” The partial takeover was completed just in time for the January transfer window, though it is uncertain how much United will be able to spend due to Financial Fair Play laws and the huge sums paid for players such as Hjlund, André Onana, Antony, and Mason Mount.
Ten Hag stated before the game that he understands what Ratcliffe and Brailsford want for the club’s future and is “looking forward” to working with them. The task at hand is undeniably significant, with United appearing to turn a corner several times under Ten Hag’s tenure, only to deteriorate once more. Ratcliffe will reportedly bankroll the rebuilding of a decaying Old Trafford stadium that has come to symbolize the club’s terrible status, in addition to pitch improvements. While the road back to the club’s old glory days will definitely be difficult, United fans, Brailsford, and Ratcliffe may rejoice in a successful first step.
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