Man United vs Aston Villa: Gary Neville can’t help but laugh at set-piece routine that goes ‘horribly wrong’
Gary Neville was not impressed with some of Aston Villa’s play in the first half of their clash against Manchester United.
Unai Emery‘s side took on the Red Devils at Old Trafford on Sunday, in an all-important Premier League clash for both teams.
The Villans, like Manchester United, are hopeful of finishing in a top-four position to qualify for the Champions League, but were not at the races in the first half of this encounter.
The hosts dominated the first 45, and to Neville‘s delight, one of Aston Villa‘s set-pieces in particular was pretty underwhelming.
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Gary Neville says Aston Villa will ‘leave that one next time’ about set-piece
The Villans tried to soak up much of the pressure early on to frustrate a loud Old Trafford crowd, and in fairness, they did that.
Emery’s side defended well, but their attacking output was a casualty of this, meaning the chances they did get in the final third, they needed to take.
- Villa had two shots in the first 45
- Neither of them were on target
The visitors were awarded a free kick 25 yards from the goal in the 10th minute of the match, as a minute-long discussion resulted in Morgan Rogers trying to play Lucas Digne in behind, instead of shooting or opting to cross.
Villa looked to have made a mess of it anyway, but United were given a free kick after foul play from John McGinn.
While speaking live on Sky Sports, Neville couldn’t help hiding his laughter at the incident.
Neville said: “[laughs] Maybe they’ll leave that one next time. If you watch McGinn, he tries to make the block [from oncoming Man United players], and he gets a foul given against him while Digne’s running on the outside, it just goes horribly wrong.”
It’s certainly a set-piece that summed up Villa’s first half.
Ollie Watkins first half vs Man Utd summed up his season; here’s why
Ollie Watkins is having a season to forget at Villa, and his first-half showing against United epitomised his campaign so far.
The striker has struggled to find a consistent patch of goal-scoring form and had an opportunity before the break to strike on goal, but instead hesitated and was stopped in his tracks.
Not only that, but he was booked for simulation after being ruled as being in an offside position, as he then responded to the decision by kicking the ball away.
The Englishman is currently lacking confidence, and it’s clear to see, as the travelling Villa supporters were trying their best to lift the number nine by singing his name from the away stand.
If he doesn’t manage to grab a goal in the second 45, that will be 12 games without a Premier League goal against Man United for Watkins, a true bogey team.
For more Villa matchday stories, visit Football Insider for fresh updates on Unai Emery’s team.