Matty Cash abysmal, Amadou Onana solid – Aston Villa ratings in loss at Man United
Aston Villa missed out on Champions League football next season in heartbreaking fashion, after a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.
The big flashpoint came 75 minutes into the contest, when Morgan Rogers converted into an empty net, after Altay Bayindir had spilled the ball at his feet.
However, referee Thomas Bramall adjudged that the United goalkeeper had been fouled, and blew his whistle before the goal went in, meaning that VAR was unable to intervene.
Former referee Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that it was a “huge error”, and that Bramall stopped play too early to deny Rogers and Aston Villa.
Moments after the controversy, Amad Diallo gave United the lead with a header, and Christian Eriksen doubled the advantage late on from the spot.
Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez had been sent off in the first half, after taking out Rasmus Hojlund when the striker was through on goal.
Here is how Football Insider rated the performance of the Aston Villa squad during their defeat to Man United on Sunday (25 May).
Cash stitches Martinez up
Emi Martinez (Sent off 45+1′) – 3
A mindless decision to bodyslam Hojlund in the first half, with the United striker clean through on goal, meant Martinez was sent off on what could be his last Aston Villa appearance. He had actually made some good saves before his moment of madness, but ultimately cost Emery’s side.
Matty Cash – 2
Cash was the one who shortchanged Martinez with the backpass, which put the Argentinian in trouble. Unfortunately for the right-back, he has to shoulder most of the blame for creating the situation, and he couldn’t make up for his error in the rest of the game.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Konsa was solid enough at the back and made some vital clearances while Villa still had a chance to snatch something from the game.
Pau Torres – 5
Gave the ball away on multiple occasions, but wasn’t punished. Along with Konsa was solid, if uninspiring.
Ian Maatsen – 4
Almost repeated what Cash had done in the first half, when his header played Hojlund through on goal on the hour mark. He Was lucky that the striker missed, but less lucky when he gave away the penalty for United’s second.
Onana shows heart and desire
Amadou Onana (Off for Ramsey 63′) – 7
He was probably the pick of a poor bunch for Villa. Worked tremendously hard in the middle, and put in some last-ditch blocks and tackles to keep his side in the game. Onana was withdrawn with half an hour left on the clock, and Emery’s side lost some control.
Boubacar Kamara (Off for Barkley 84′) – 6
Alongside Onana, he worked hard and kept possession better than the majority of his teammates. Drew in a number of fouls to win free-kicks.
Morgan Rogers (Off for Malen 84′) – 5
He had given Villa the lead with 15 minutes left to play, only for the goal to be wrongly ruled out. Apart from that one moment, the 22-year-old did little else.
Marco Asensio (Off for Olsen 45+1′) – 4
Was the unfortunate man sacrificed after Martinez was sent off. Failed to really get into the game as Villa struggled to hold onto the ball in the first half.
John McGinn (Off for Tielemans 63′) – 5
Villa’s captain was unable to get involved and was taken off for the more creative Tielemans.
Watkins anonymous up front
Ollie Watkins – 4
Tough afternoon for the striker. He had very little service throughout the game, and gave the ball away the few times he received it.
Substitutes
Robin Olsen (On for Asensio 45+1′) – 5
Probably didn’t expect to be coming on at Old Trafford, but replaced Asensio when Martinez was sent off. Could do little to prevent the two goals.
Youri Tielemans (On for McGinn 63′) – 6
Introduced on the hour mark and looked to get Villa back on the front foot.
Jacob Ramsey (On for Onana 63′) – 6
Added energy when brought on, but couldn’t help Villa close the game out.
Ross Barkley (On for Kamara 84′) – 5
Had no time to impact the game.
Donyell Malen (On for Rogers 84′) – 4
All he managed was a stray pass which went out for a throw in, as Villa tried to break.