Aston Villa strengthened their surprise push for the Premier League crown after Morgan Rogers produced a superb double to inspire a 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
Unai Emery’s men struck first at Villa Park late in the opening half when Rogers unleashed a sensational effort to put the hosts ahead and underline their growing confidence.
Manchester United responded swiftly, with Matheus Cunha drawing the visitors level shortly before the interval. However, Rogers proved decisive once again after the restart, scoring his second of the afternoon, and his sixth goal in six league outings, to seal Villa’s 10th consecutive win across all competitions.
The result leaves Emery’s side sitting third in the table, just three points behind leaders Arsenal and one shy of second-placed Manchester City, as they pursue a first league title since 1981.
Villa’s current momentum is historic. They are enjoying their most impressive winning streak in all competitions since 1914, when they claimed 11 straight victories. In the league alone, they have now won seven matches in succession for the first time since the 1989-90 season, when they finished runners-up under Graham Taylor.
The club’s rise into the title picture is all the more striking given their dreadful start to the campaign, when they collected just two points and scored only once in their opening five fixtures, their poorest opening run in nearly three decades.
Emery has also transformed Villa Park into one of the league’s toughest venues. With only one home defeat in the Premier League in 2025, Villa boast a stronger home record than any other side. Arsenal have already been beaten there this season, and United, who had lost just once in their previous 26 visits, were unable to halt Villa’s momentum.
For United, the defeat marked a frustrating continuation of mixed form. Seventh in the table, they have now failed to win their last two league games, following Monday’s dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth. The loss also represented their second defeat in 11 league outings.
Ruben Amorim’s problems deepened when captain Bruno Fernandes was forced off at half-time with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. The timing could hardly be worse for the United boss, who was already without seven players.
Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Kobbie Mainoo were sidelined through injury, Casemiro was suspended, while Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui were absent on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Fernandes had recently revealed that United “wanted me to go” during the summer after Al-Hilal made an approach. Although the Portuguese midfielder rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, United may now be forced to cope without their influential leader if his injury proves serious.
United had early chances to change the game’s narrative. Benjamin Sesko broke into the Villa penalty area but hesitated, allowing Emiliano Martinez to race out and deny him with a crucial block.
Villa eventually took control through a beautifully executed counter-attack in the 45th minute. John McGinn delivered a precise pass down the left, releasing Rogers, who surged past Leny Yoro before curling an exquisite finish into the far corner.
A lapse in concentration from Matty Cash handed United a route back just before the break. The defender was caught in possession, allowing Patrick Dorgu to set up Cunha, who finished confidently from a tight angle.
The second half turned decisively in Villa’s favour after Fernandes failed to reappear. Rogers restored the lead in the 57th minute, showing greater hunger than Yoro as he seized on a loose ball inside the area and calmly slotted past Senne Lammens from 12 yards.
Emery’s passion was on full display as he celebrated wildly on the touchline, tossing his jacket into the air. Villa were briefly threatened moments later, but Martinez came to the rescue with important saves from Diogo Dalot and Dorgu.
Cunha then missed a golden opportunity to equalise, heading wide from another Dorgu delivery. Amorim handed a debut to Jack Fletcher, son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, but the young substitute could not alter the outcome as Villa held firm.
What you should know
Aston Villa’s victory over Manchester United underlines their emergence as genuine Premier League title contenders under Unai Emery.
Morgan Rogers’ goalscoring form has become central to Villa’s surge, while their formidable home record has turned Villa Park into a decisive advantage. In contrast, United’s struggles continue amid injuries, suspensions and squad absences, with Bruno Fernandes’ potential layoff a major concern.
The result highlights the contrasting trajectories of both clubs, as Villa chase historic success and United search for consistency.
