Pre-Match Thoughts and Expectations
A pointless league game kicks off. I’m still disappointed about the Europa League final, but there’s no changing that now. The goal today was to avoid losing to Villa. It didn’t matter in the table, but winning could be a good send-off for the players who might be leaving.
Lindelöf, Eriksen, and Evans were all playing what looked like their last games at Old Trafford. Maybe even Rasmus and Garnacho, judging by Amorim’s comments. Garnacho and Onana weren’t even on the bench. Maybe that means something, or maybe I’m just overthinking it.
This game meant everything to Villa. A win could secure their Champions League spot. For United, the result had no impact. We could have ended up 15th, 16th, or 17th. So going in, I had zero expectations. We were up against a strong side with everything to play for.
A Surprisingly Sharp Performance
And yet, from the first minute, I was shocked. We looked sharp. We created chances. We were confident on the ball. This was the same team that looked lost in the Europa final just a few days ago. Against Villa, we looked alive.
By halftime, we had 10 shots, 4 on target, and one big chance. All in the first half. We were playing against a team that gave PSG a real fight in Europe, and here we were, actually looking better. It made me wonder how we couldn’t even create proper chances against Spurs.
Just before halftime, Højlund chased a weak back pass. He reached the ball first. Martínez rushed out way too far from his goal. I don’t know why he did that, especially considering Højlund’s form. He clattered into him with no attempt to play the ball. Straight red card. Just before the break.
Second Half Drama and United’s Win
In the second half, we stayed on top. Yes, Villa were a man down, but we were still playing with intent. Case hit the post while trying to set it up for Rasmus. We were creating openings.
Then came a moment of controversy. Morgan Rogers got past Bayındır and scored, but the ref blew for a foul. In my opinion, it should have at least gone to VAR. Rogers got the ball before the contact. The ref didn’t even check. Emery was furious, and rightly so. That goal could have taken Villa to the Champions League.
In the 76th minute, Bruno spotted Amad’s run and played him through. Amad finished with a clean header. United led 1-0. We deserved it.
Villa didn’t create much after that. In the 87th minute, Amad was fouled in the box. Penalty. Eriksen stepped up and scored. A fitting end to his time at the club. United won 2-0 on the final day of the season.
After full-time, Emery was still upset about the disallowed goal. Understandable, considering what was at stake.
Amorim’s Speech and What’s Next
What stood out the most was Amorim’s final-day speech. United managers usually speak to the fans on the last day, and this time it really meant something. Despite the season we had, his words brought back some hope. He said:
“First of all, I want to apologise for this season. I am really disappointed with the team. Secondly, I want to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support during the season.
I know it was very hard in many games; now we have to make a choice. Do we stay stuck in the past? This season is in the past; it’s over. We fight each other, or we stick together and move forward.
Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you, the storm is coming. Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.
If there is one club in the world that has proved in the past that they can overcome any situation or disaster, it is our club. It is Manchester United Football Club”
It gave me goosebumps. I’m not planning to cover every match from the Asia tour. They don’t hold much importance. Maybe I’ll write a single blog covering all of them together. Hopefully, we’ll see more of our academy players get game time.
I’m also working on a piece about PSR. It’s something a lot of fans are confused about, so I’m trying to break it down in a way that’s easy to understand. I’ll share that soon.
Until then, Yanited Yanited Yanited.
UNITED SCRIPTED. 
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