Manchester United’s defeat against Aston Villa yesterday will no doubt frustrate Ruben Amorim, as it brings to an end their recent four-game unbeaten run.
The Red Devils were unfortunate not to claim at least a point in the West Midlands, but a spree of missed opportunities ultimately cost the side dear in the meeting.
However, they still sit in a handy position, just three points off a place in the Premier League’s top four, which represents a huge improvement from their 2024/25 finish.
Amorim will no doubt need to prevent such a result from happening again in the weeks ahead, with the Christmas period potentially crucial for their chances of European football.
However, if they are to return to winning ways next time round, the manager desperately needs to take action and drop numerous players who struggled in the defeat at Villa Park.
United’s poor performers against Aston Villa
After missing the last couple of weeks through injury, striker Benjamin Sesko was named in the starting eleven for the clash against Villa to try and provide the goods in the final third.
However, it was a decision that failed to pay off, as seen by the 22-year-old’s stats of just 16 touches of the ball and seven passes completed in his 73-minute performance.
The Slovenian international was also guilty of missing a big chance, which could have secured at least a point for Amorim’s side against the most in-form side in the division.
He wasn’t alone in failing to deliver against the Villans, with Mason Mount unable to continue his recent fine form after his recall to the starting eleven.
The Englishman lost nine duels during yesterday’s defeat, the most of any player on the pitch, ultimately struggling against the physicality of the host’s midfield.
He also completed just one dribble and was unable to find a teammate with any of his three crosses, subsequently showcasing his struggles with the ball in the final third.
The United star who’s now one of INEOS’ worst signings
Over the last couple of years, INEOS have splashed the cash in the transfer market to try and make United a competitive outfit in the Premier League once again.
The recent summer transfer window saw over £200m being spent on new additions to bolster Amorim’s squad, with Sesko just one of the arrivals at Old Trafford.
The centre forward cost a reported £74m from German side RB Leipzig, but it’s evidence that spending big on transfers doesn’t equal immediate success.
His showing against Villa was one that was lacking in confidence and quality, with the player now under huge pressure to try and prove he can match the price tag.
However, he’s not alone in that department, with central midfielder Manuel Ugarte another player who struggled against Villa in the defeat on Sunday night.
The Uruguayan, who cost £50m in the summer of 2024, was handed a recall to the side after Casemiro was ruled out of the meeting following his fifth yellow card of the season.
The 24-year-old was unable to take advantage of the faith shown in him by the manager, with his showing in the West Midlands certainly one for him to forget.
He was given a series of scathing review, notably from UEFA B license coach Dougie Anderson, who took to social media not only to describe the former Sporting man as a “headless chicken” but also as “one of the worst centre midfielders Man Utd has ever had.”
He featured for 73 minutes before being substituted, but his withdrawal was certainly warranted when delving into the midfielder’s underlying figures from the meeting.
Ugarte only managed to achieve an 84% pass completion rate, but misplaced all three of his long passes – resulting in his ball-playing abilities coming into question again.
Ugarte – stats against Aston Villa
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
73
Touches
44
Pass accuracy
84%
Long passes completed
0
Passes into final third
2
Chances created
0
Duels lost
50%
Fouls committed
4
Stats via FotMob
He made just two passes into the final third, whilst failing to create any chances for his teammates, further showcasing his struggles with the ball at his feet.
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However, without the ball, he was just as ineffective, subsequently winning just 40% of the tackles he entered, whilst also losing 50% of the duels he entered.
Ugarte also was dribbled past twice and committed four fouls, which resulted in him picking up a booking before being replaced by debutant Jack Fletcher.
As a result of his showing, the midfielder was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall – further highlighting his lack of quality.
There’s no doubt Amorim will certainly replace him ahead of the side’s next game during the Christmas period, with the Red Devils undoubtedly desperate to get back to winning ways.
Casemiro has nailed down such a position as his very own in recent months, with his absence showcasing the additions needed in the midfield department.
Fewer touches than Lammens & only 7 passes: Man Utd dud must now be dropped
Manchester United fell to yet another defeat in the Premier League at Aston Villa this afternoon.
ByEthan Lamb