Manchester United had a dream evening for “Boxing Day” by overthrowing Aston Villa (3-2), third in the Premier League, after being down by two goals on Tuesday, two days after the announcement of the transfer part of the club to Jim Ratcliffe.
First league goal for the nugget Rasmus Hojlund
The Red Devils brought Old Trafford back to life, the “theater of dreams” with a nickname too often outdated, with a courageous victory acquired late thanks to a double from Alejandro Garnacho (48th, 59th) and a saving goal from Rasmus Hojlund (82nd), the Danish striker’s first in the Premier League since his recruitment this summer at a high price.
However, everything was going very badly for the Mancunians, who were quickly stunned by two set pieces: the defense and goalkeeper André Onana let a free kick from John McGinn slip away without moving (21st, 1-0), then they gave in in front of Leander Dendoncker, served by Clément Lenglet after a corner (26th, 2-0).
But the second period was that of revolt, led in particular by Marcus Rashford, starter after the last four matches started on the bench.
After this success, the first in three weeks, Manchester United climbs to sixth place with 31 points, one more than seventh West Ham who faces Arsenal on Thursday.
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It was the first match played by the Red Devils since the announcement on Sunday of the arrival of billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, boss of the petrochemical group Ineos, as a 25% shareholder and new strongman in the sporting field.
Aston Villa (3rd, 39 pts) misses the opportunity to come back to level with Liverpool (1st, 42 pts), who became leader on Tuesday after their 2-0 victory at Burnley. The Birmingham club has one point less than Arsenal (2nd, 40 pts).