BBC pundit blown away by ‘outstanding’ John McGinn moment in Aston Villa v Manchester United
Aston Villa were on the end of a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Manchester United, but John McGinn could hold his head up high at full-time.
The Scotland international played 87 minutes for the Villans as they came out second best at Villa Park in Sunday’s (11 February) contest.
McGinn struggled in the FA Cup loss to Chelsea earlier in the week, leading to Gabby Agbonlahor raising some concerns over the midfielder.
Agbonlahor argued the 29-year-old looked “tired” and that left Unai Emery with a decision to make in terms of his selection against United.
John McGinn leads the way for Aston Villa
Emery was more than justified in his decision to stick with McGinn, who has played the third-most minutes of any Villan this term [WhoScored].
McGinn’s 96-per-cent pass-completion rate was the highest of any player on the field to have attempted more than three passes [Sofascore].
Three of those passes were defined as “key”, which only full-back Alex Moreno could match among Villa players.
In the first half, McGinn had the most touches in the opposition box (eight) and created the most chances (two), as per Squawka.
Aston Villa second best against Manchester United
The Scotsman showed his quality in the build-up to a big chance for Ollie Watkins, earning praise from pundit Clinton Morrison.
“The touch from McGinn is outstanding and Watkins should dink it over the keeper,” Morrison said on BBC Radio 5 Live [11 February, 4:58pm].
McGinn was also strong defensively, with his two tackles another joint-team high on the day.
While he did lose possession 15 times – only Matty Cash (17) did so more – that is the nature of attempting to make things happen in midfield.
With 48 touches of the ball, McGinn was certainly not shy in getting involved in play, further summed up by his four shots.
As per FBref, McGinn ranks in the top three per cent of all midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 (1.97).
That is one of the many reasons why Emery will continue to select McGinn week in, week out as Villa attempt to regain some momentum in the top-four battle.
It was not Villa’s day against Manchester United, but there is no reason why Emery cannot turn things back around. If that is to happen, McGinn will have a huge part to play.
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