(Football news) John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker’s goals in the first half looked to prolong Manchester United holiday suffering, but Alejandro Garnacho’s outstanding brace pulled the hosts back into the match, and Hojlund’s first-ever goal in the top flight of England completed an incredible comeback as the title-chasing Lions let up.
The main team news out of the Man United camp was the recall of Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen, while Diego Carlos was added back to the Villa starting lineup in lieu of the suspended Matty Cash.
Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford was at Old Trafford after it was confirmed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe had purchased a quarter of the team, but he was a sullen figure as Erik ten Hag’s team put on another unsettling first-half performance.
A cagey start to the game saw neither team really take the other by storm, but in the 22nd minute, McGinn’s set piece, when he placed the ball on the left side of the goal rather far from the goal, destroyed the Red Devils.
Ollie Watkins attempted to get a nick on the ball but was unable to do so. Man United’s protests for offside against Watkins were denied as the inswinging delivery from the Scotsman missed everyone, bounced once, and fooled Andre Onana before nestling into the side of the net.
In case Man United’s defense was called into question during Villa’s first goal, their efforts to stop Unai Emery’s team from doubling their lead after just five minutes were appalling. Clement Lenglet headed a McGinn corner back into the mix, and Dendoncker was left unmarked to expertly flick the ball home with a backheel volley.
