Match Report: Manchester United 2–0 Aston Villa (Premier League – 25 May 2025)
Manchester United ended their calamitous 2024/25 season with a rare moment of clarity, securing a 2–0 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on the final day. It was a result that changed little for either side in terms of achievement — United finished a dismal 15th on 42 points, while Villa, beaten and bitter, missed out on the Champions League.
The match will be remembered less for United’s late flurry than for the controversy that enveloped Villa’s disallowed goal — and the storm that followed. Midway through the second half, Morgan Rogers bundled the ball into the net, only for referee Thomas Bramall to rule it out for a foul on goalkeeper Altay Bayındır. The whistle had already gone, and VAR was powerless. Villa players were incensed; manager Unai Emery, livid. The mood worsened when goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was sent off minutes later, reducing the visitors to ten men at a critical stage.
United, who had offered little in the first hour, took full advantage. Amad Diallo broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with a well-taken finish, capitalising on a rare defensive lapse. Villa, chasing a top-four finish, pushed forward desperately — but left gaps at the back. When Ian Maatsen felled Diallo in the area, the referee pointed to the spot. Christian Eriksen calmly slotted home the penalty in the 87th minute, sealing the result.
Rúben Amorim’s side, long out of the European conversation, at least offered a glimmer of pride to the home support. After the final whistle, the manager took to the pitch to apologise to fans for what had been a wretched campaign, promising better ahead. It was a symbolic gesture — well-intentioned, but unlikely to be enough on its own.
For Aston Villa, the sense of injustice was acute. Sixth place and a Europa League slot was little consolation after a season spent flirting with the top four. Club officials later confirmed they would lodge an official complaint with the Premier League over the decision to appoint Bramall for a match of such magnitude. Reports suggest the referee admitted his error post-match — a detail that will sting all the more.
United now head off on a post-season tour of Malaysia. For Villa, the summer starts early — and under a cloud.
Final Score: Manchester United 2–0 Aston Villa
Goals:
76′ – Amad Diallo (Manchester United)
87′ – Christian Eriksen (Manchester United, penalty)
Red Card: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
Referee: Thomas Bramall
Attendance: 73,839
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
