The brilliant Ivorian ensured Ruben Amorim avoided more embarrassment on a hugely controversial afternoon at Old Trafford
Manchester United ended their worst ever Premier League campaign on a high by beating Aston Villa 2-0, but only after a moment of madness from Emi Martinez and a massive error by referee Thomas Bramall after a horrendous gaffe from Altay Bayindir.
Amad Diallo headed United in front against the 10 men in the 76th minute, moments after Villa thought they had taken a shock lead but were denied by gross refereeing incompetence. Bayindir fumbled the ball and Morgan Rogers stuck it in to the empty net, barely touching the Turkish goalkeeper. Bramall, however, had already blown his whistle before Morgan hit the loose ball, meaning VAR could not intervene. Villa coach Unai Emery was utterly furious on the sidelines and lost his nerve when United were then awarded a penalty, which Christian Eriksen scored to round off the win.
The result meant Villa finished in sixth, missing out on Champions League football despite fifth-placed Newcastle losing 1-0 against Everton.
Ruben Amorim had made headlines before the game by telling Alejandro Garnacho in front of the squad that he would be forced to leave although he denied the Argentina international a farewell by leaving him out of the matchday squad along with Andre Onana and the injured pair of Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw.
The Red Devils made a very positive start, with Mason Mount going close twice in one move, Amad Diallo narrowly missing the target and Diogo Dalot hitting the post. Villa had been showing a cautious approach but their game plan was completely thrown out the window when Martinez came charging out of his area to sweep up a soft back pass from Matty Cash right before half-time. The Argentine clattered straight into Rasmus Hojlund and was shown a straight red card in what was likely to be his final game with Villa.
United ramped up the pressure but wasted more chances. They finally got the goal they deserved thanks to Amad, who is the one player fans can feel excited about for the future. The forward then earned the penalty and Amorim ordered Eriksen to take it over Fernandes, allowing the Dane the chance to finish his three-year stint at the club with a goal.
GOAL rates Man United's players from Old Trafford…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Altay Bayindir (3/10):
Extremely lucky not to be punished for his clanger, which should serve as the final warning to Amorim that he must find a new reserve goalkeeper as well as a new No. 1.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):
Had a couple of nervy moments in his final match in a hugely underwhelming career at United.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Gave a strong display overall although his backwards header led to Bayindir's fumble.
Ayden Heaven (5/10):
Lacked sharpness and looked too complacent, nearly being punished for it. Came off injured, just after returning from a two-month absence.
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Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Had two bright forays down the right wing early on, setting up Mount's chance. Forced off in the 20th minute with a muscle injury.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Orchestrated United's play with some wonderful passing before finding Amad for the opener. Denied the chance to take the penalty by Amorim.
Casemiro (7/10):
A classy performance in and out of possession.
Patrick Dorgu (6/10):
Showed his usual energy and commitment but he was a bit imprecise.
Attack
Amad Diallo (7/10):
It was fitting that he scored the only goal, another illustration that he is the one player United fans can be excited about for the future. Should have done better with h
Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):
Another dismal performance in front of goal although he did play a part in the sending off by forcing Martinez to come out and try to stop him.
Mason Mount (6/10):
Shown more loyalty by Amorim after surprisingly starting the Europa League but couldn't repay it. Should have scored with the close-range header at the start. Taken off later for Eriksen.
Subs & Manager
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Smacked the post in the first half but then had to come off injured just after half-time.
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):
Set up Hojlund's chance with a lay-off.
Jonny Evans (6/10):
Replaced Heaven to make his last stand for United after nine years of service across two spells.
Christian Eriksen (8/10):
Scored the penalty to get a good send off in his final match. Had fully deserved a goal after hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession.
Chido Obi (N/A):
Replaced Hojlund in the 80th minute but didn't really get involved.
Ruben Amorim (6/10):
Showed his ruthless side by leaving Garnacho and Onana out. The performance was much better and so too was the result but only after being given two helping hands, first by Martinez and then the referee. Getting Eriksen to take the penalty was a classy touch.
