John McGinn sends 'horrible' message to Aston Villa fans after season's end

John McGinn has taken to social media to send a message to supporters after an Aston Villa season that ended in agonising circumstances.

For much of the campaign, Unai Emery's side were in contention to succeed on a number of fronts following some remarkable performances.

Last month though, they saw their hopes of ending a long wait for a major trophy ended, with the first setback coming when their remarkable Champions League run was ended by PSG in the quarter finals.

Aston Villa then followed that with a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi final, leaving them with only qualification for next season's Champions League to focus on.

Champions League pursuit ends in heartbreak

Going into the final day of the season, the Midlands club did still have a chance of a securing a place in Europe's top competition for next season.

Emery's side travelled to Old Trafford to face Man United in that match, but faced an early setback when goalkeeper Emi Martinez was sent off for hauling down Rasmus Hojlund late in the first half.

With the score still locked at 0-0, Aston Villa were controversially disallowed an opening goal by Morgan Rogers, who was wrongly adjudged to have kicked the ball out of the hands of Altay Bayindir.

That would prove costly, with Man United going on to win 2-0, which when combined with results elsewhere, means McGinn and his side will not be in the Champions League next season.

They instead face the prospect of Europa League football, and the Scotland international has now opened up on that disappointment.

Taking to is X account on Saturday (31 May), the Aston Villa captain wrote: "A horrible way to end a long season for the lads. We have had some incredible highs and some tough moments.

"We achieved European football for the third year running but are aware in some big moments we didn’t produce. Thanks for all the support this season. Keep the faith".

Aston Villa can feel hard done by

Football Insider Verdict

It is hard not to feel sympathy for Emery's side after what happened against Man United, since had Rogers' goal stood as it ought to, they would surely have qualified for the Champions League.

Not only is their now the disappointment of missing out on that from a football perspective, but there are now financial concerns for the club.

Football Insider has been told that Aston Villa face a major fire sale in the transfer window after failing to make it into Europe's top competition for next season.

If that proves to be the case, then it a squad that has shown so much promise this season could be taken a part, something which would represent a major missed opportunity for the club.