MANCHESTER, May 26 — Aston Villa were denied a Champions League spot on goal difference after a controversial 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, sparking outrage from Unai Emery’s side.
MANCHESTER, May 26 — Aston Villa were denied a Champions League spot on goal difference after a controversial 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, sparking outrage from Unai Emery’s side.
Manchester United bounced back from their midweek Europa League final loss to Tottenham, ending a disappointing season on a high with goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen.
Villa’s hopes unraveled after goalkeeper Emi Martinez was sent off and a goal by Morgan Rogers was controversially disallowed for a perceived foul on United’s keeper Altay Bayindir — a decision that left Villa furious. Manager Unai Emery was seen sarcastically applauding the officials when United were later awarded a penalty, which Eriksen converted.
Villa finished sixth in the Premier League, securing a Europa League berth, while United concluded their worst-ever Premier League season in 15th place.
Despite the victory, United’s failure to qualify for Europe next season — due to their earlier defeat in Bilbao — intensified fan protests. Chants and banners before kick-off once again targeted the Glazer family, urging them to sell the club amid its ongoing decline.
Villa, who had won eight of their previous nine league games, entered the match with strong momentum, but United dominated the first half.
Martinez, possibly playing his final game for Villa amid transfer speculation, showcased his talent early with two key saves. But his rash decision to rush off his line and foul Rasmus Hojlund — following a poor back pass by Matty Cash — resulted in a red card.
Villa fans were briefly lifted by news of Everton scoring against Newcastle, which would have allowed Villa to qualify for the top five with a draw. But the game took a decisive turn.
Bayindir was controversially ruled to have control of the ball before Rogers dispossessed him and scored — a goal that was disallowed. Moments later, Diallo headed in Bruno Fernandes’ cross, before winning a penalty after a challenge by Ian Maatsen. Fernandes handed the spot-kick to Eriksen, who slotted it home in what may be his final appearance for United. — AFP
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