Revealed: Man of the Match at Villa Park

Sunday 09 May 2021 17:19

Manchester United came from behind to win for the 10th time in the Premier League this season and have virtually guaranteed Champions League qualification for next season in the process.

The Reds had dominated early proceedings at Villa Park but saw the home side take the lead thanks to a powerful strike from Bertrand Traore. Solskjaer's side couldn't find an answer before half-time but came out after the break with a clear objective, and one we achieved pretty quickly.

Paul Pogba was fouled in the box by Douglas Luiz and Bruno Fernandes duly converted from the spot. Mason Greenwood put United ahead four minutes later with a fine finish into the bottom-right corner and Edinson Cavani, who came off the bench to replace Mason, wrapped the game up with a typically excellent header.

We asked fans to vote for their Man of the Match on our official App. The result is below...

90 in 20: Aston Villa 1 United 3 Video

90 in 20: Aston Villa 1 United 3

Watch the extended highlights of United's terrific comeback victory over Villa, courtesy of three second-half strikes...

While Cavani received an impressive 11 per cent of votes for his performance, despite playing only 35 minutes of the second half, it was Pogba, Greenwood and Fernandes who competed for the honour.

Pogba combined well with Luke Shaw on the left wing throughout the game. That side of the pitch seemed to be where Villa were at their most vulnerable, but it was on the right where Greenwood turned Tyrone Mings to score United's second goal. The pair gleaned 20 per cent and 19 per cent of the votes respectively.

The winner, though, was Bruno Fernandes, who picked up 25 per cent of votes after Sunday's game. The Portuguese endured a frustrating first half but proved as reliable as ever from the penalty spot as well as playing a regular role in attacks. A serial winner of this award, Fernandes can add it to a growing list of records he's set at the club, too.
Mason: We were always confident Video

Mason: We were always confident

Previous comebacks on the road gave Mason Greenwood the belief we could turn it around today...

The second half penalty was Fernandes's 27th goal of this season. No midfielder has scored more for a Premier League club in a single campaign since Frank Lampard hit 27 for Chelsea back in 2009/10. Bruno's assured penalty was also his 25th goal in the Premier League for United. He's raced to 25 league goals in only 48 games.

That's quicker than all but three other players in United's Premier League history, Robin van Persie (35 games), Ruud van Nistelrooy (39 games) and Dwight Yorke (41 games).

MAN OF THE MATCH: THE TOP FOUR

Bruno Fernandes (25 per cent)
Paul Pogba (20 per cent)
Mason Greenwood (19 per cent)
Edinson Cavani (11 per cent)

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