Aston Villa headed into the holidays in fine form, extending their winning streak to seven matches with a 2–1 victory over Manchester United, with a brilliant brace from Morgan Rogers.

Sunday’s intense Premier League clash saw Aston Villa host Manchester United in a must-win game for both sides.

The victory proved crucial for Villa, pushing Unai Emery’s men to within three points of Arsenal, while United’s struggles continued as defensive lapses cost them again.

Villa broke the deadlock just before half-time through a moment of quality from Morgan Rogers.

The forward surged into United’s box following a smart assist from John McGinn and curled a superb effort beyond Lammens, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

With four minutes of stoppage time added, United found a lifeline before the interval. Patrick Dorgu intercepted possession from Matty Cash and quickly released Matheus Cunha, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner to level the score moments before the half-time whistle.

The second half resumed with a major setback for Manchester United as captain Bruno Fernandes was forced off through injury and replaced by Lisandro Martínez.

The change further compounded United’s problems, with Casemiro unavailable due to suspension and Kobbie Mainoo omitted after picking up an injury amid his recent struggles at Old Trafford.

Both sides pushed for a decisive breakthrough, creating several openings in an end-to-end contest. United, in particular, pressed aggressively in search of a winner but were left frustrated by a series of missed chances, as Villa held firm and continued to threaten on the counter.

Morgan Rogers eventually restored Aston Villa’s lead, finding the net once again with another sublime curling effort. Ollie Watkins supplied the assist, bursting past United’s back line before teeing up Rogers, who calmly bent his finish beyond the goalkeeper to put Emery’s side back in front.

The result brought United’s four-game unbeaten run to an end, leaving them seventh in the table, though still just three points off fourth in a tightly packed Premier League.

The match also saw the introduction of two United academy prospects, Jack Fletcher, son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, and Shea Lacey, as Villa closed out another impressive victory.

Villa’s victory keeps them third on 36 points as they prepare to face Chelsea after Christmas. United, meanwhile, head into another hard test against Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day as they search for consistency