Aston Villa continued their remarkable surge with a 2–1 victory over Manchester United, heading into the Christmas break just three points off the top of the Premier League. The night belonged to Morgan Rogers, whose superb brace underlined Villa’s growing belief and momentum under Unai Emery.

Rogers struck at a crucial moment just before the interval, opening the scoring in the 45th minute to give the hosts a deserved lead. Manchester United briefly responded in first-half stoppage time, as Matheus Cunha capitalised on a defensive error from Matty Cash to level the contest.

Any hopes of a United revival were short-lived. Early in the second half, Morgan Rogers struck again, restoring Aston Villa’s advantage with a composed finish that lifted the home crowd. It proved to be the decisive blow in a finely balanced encounter.

The visitors’ task became even harder when captain Bruno Fernandes was forced off through injury after the break, significantly blunting United’s attacking threat. Despite a late push and a handful of dangerous moments in the closing stages, Aston Villa defended resolutely to protect their lead.

The win marks a remarkable tenth consecutive victory in all competitions for Unai Emery’s side, who remain third in the Premier League and firmly in the title conversation.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Aston Villa - Manchester United 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: Rogers M., 45 (1:0); Cunha, 45 (1:1); Rogers M., 57 (2:1)

Aston Villa: Martinez E.; Lindelöf; Konsa; Maatsen I. (Digne, 75); Onana A. (Buendia, 84); Kamara B. (Bogarde L., 88); Cash; McGinn J. (Guessand, 84); Tielemans; Watkins (Malen, 75); Rogers M.
Substitution: Digne (from 75); Malen (from 75); Buendia (from 84); Guessand (from 84); Bogarde L. (from 88)
Bench: Bizot; Andrés García
Yellow Cards: Bogarde L. 90

Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot; Dorgu; Yoro; Shaw L.; Heaven; Mount; Fernandes B. (Martínez Li., 46); Ugarte (Zirkzee, 73); Cunha; Sesko (Fletcher, 73)
Substitution: Martínez Li. (from 46); Fletcher (from 73); Zirkzee (from 73)
Bench: Bayındır; Heaton; Malacia; Fredricson T.
Yellow Cards: Ugarte 68; Dalot 72