Man United v Aston Villa | 2022/23 EFL Cup

We bring the Manchester United player ratings as an excellent second-half display saw the Red Devils emerge victorious against Aston Villa in their third-round EFL Cup tie on Thursday.

The Red Devils were looking forward to improving their results before the World Cup break, especially after the defeat last weekend. Despite a tentative start to the game, a proactive approach by both sides in the second half provided for a compelling watch towards the end of the ninety minutes at Old Trafford.

An underwhelming first-half saw both sides struggle to disrupt the other from the first whistle. However, with either side having failed to find the back of the net before the half-time break, an excellent second-half provided for an exciting match-up on the pitch.

Manchester United, Aston Villa — Image Obtained Via Sky Sports

Aiming to find the back of the net, the visitors struck first with Ollie Watkins producing a sublime finish on the break before a bit of clinical play saw United’s Anthony Martial equalise the score only a minute after conceding the first goal on the evening.

An unfortunate own-goal by Diogo Dalot in the 61st minute saw Villa retake the lead. However, resurgent in their approach, the hosts ensured they bounced back, with both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes finding the back of the net in the 67th and 78th minute respectively.

A sublime cross by Alejandro Garnacho followed by an excellent finish by Scott McTominay saw United score the fourth goal in stoppage time, with the team likely to have found momentum before a crucial game against Fulham at the weekend.

Manchester United Player Ratings Vs Aston Villa: Starting XI

Martin Dubravka (GK) – 6/10: A reliable presence between the sticks, Dubravka delivered a notable performance on Thursday. Although unlikely to displace David de Gea anytime soon, the Slovakian shot-stopper will be keen on game-time across cup competitions moving forward.

Diogo Dalot (RB) – 6/10: Excellent in his application, Dalot emerged amongst the notable performers on the pitch against Villa. Amongst the team’s promising players this season, the right-back will be keen on maintaining his notable form moving into the World Cup.

Harry Maguire (RCB) – 5/10: Decent on the pitch, Maguire will be keen on improving his form moving into the World Cup. Likely to be granted a start at the weekend, the centre-back will be keen on delivering a notable performance moving forward.

Victor Lindelof (LCB) – 5/10: Having struggled to cope with Villa’s attacking prowess alongside Maguire, Lindelof delivered a decent performance on Thursday. Promising in his displays in recent outings, the centre-back will be pushing for a place in the starting line-up this weekend.

Tyrell Malacia (LB) – 6/10: Malacia gave a steady performance on Thursday and will be looking to keep up the good work moving forward. The Dutch left-back will share the workload with Luke Shaw on the left flank, with the latter likely to be in the starting line-up against Fulham on the weekend.

Scott McTominay (CDM) – 7/10: Having gradually improved on the pitch through the ninety minutes, McTominay delivered a notable second-half display on Thursday. Expected to be granted minutes moving forward, the midfielder will be keen on pushing for a place in the starting line-up following the World Cup.

Fred (CM) – 5/10: Decent in his approach, Fred failed to impose himself in the midfield during the United vs Aston Villa game. Unlikely to make the starting line-up this weekend, the midfielder will be keen on having a memorable World Cup with the Brazilian national team over the coming weeks.

Bruno Fernandes (RW) – 6/10: Disciplined in his approach, Fernandes delivered a notable performance on Thursday. Expected to play a vital role against Fulham at the weekend, the Portuguese midfielder will be keen on building his confidence moving into the World Cup.

Donny Van De Beek (CAM – 5/10: Although underwhelming on the pitch, Van De Beek delivered a decent performance on Thursday. Having struggled to make a notable impact, the Dutchman is likely to assess his future at the club before the January transfer window.

Marcus Rashford (LW) – 7/10: Excellent in his application, Rashford delivered an impactful display against Villa. In a good vein of form heading into the World Cup, the winger will be keen on maintaining his standard of display over the coming weeks.

Anthony Martial (ST) – 6/10: Decent in his approach, Martial delivered a valuable contribution during his time on the pitch on Thursday. Expected to be included in the starting line-up this weekend, the forward will be keen on making a difference to the team’s prospects moving forward.

Manchester United Player Ratings Vs Aston Villa: Substitutes

Alejandro Garnacho (LW) – 8/10: An excellent cameo saw the United academy graduate provide two assists against Aston Villa on Thursday. Having delivered a series of promising performances, the forward is likely to be in contention to start the game on Sunday.

Anthony Elanga (RW) – 6/10: Decent in his approach, Elanga delivered a reliable performance on Thursday. Having struggled to make an impact in recent cameos, the forward will be keen on improving his displays moving forward.

Christian Eriksen (CM) – 7/10: Relatively impactful following his introduction, Eriksen contributed to United’s improvement on the pitch in the second half. Having shown promising improvement in recent outings, the midfielder will be keen on maintaining his notable form moving into the World Cup.

Casemiro (CDM) – 6/10: A notable cameo saw Casemiro contribute to United’s improved performance in the second half on Thursday. Expected to slot back into midfield against Fulham, the Brazilian will be keen on maintaining his excellent form over the coming weeks.

Lisandro Martinez (LCB) – 6/10: Introduced to add fresh legs in defence, Martinez delivered a decent cameo against Villa. Granted a much-needed rest on Thursday, the centre-back will be keen on continuing to remain consistent in his performances moving into the World Cup.

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