Manchester United on Sunday evening kept alive their very slim hope of usurping neighbours, Manchester City of the premier league tittle after coming from a goal down to defeat Aston Villa 1-3 away from home.
A goal each from Brunno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Edison Cavani were enough to overturn their early setback after Bertrand Traore had put the hosts ahead.
Having reached the final of the Europa League on Thursday, where they will face Villareal on the 26th of May, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made just four changes to the side that lost to Roma in midweek and Dean Henderson returning between the sticks.
United, knowing a loss to to Villa would mean that Manchester City will be crowned Champions, got on the front foot, getting their first sight at goal through Luke Shaw on the 6th minute. The England left back played a one-two with compatriot, Marcus Rashford, before letting one fly which forced Emiliano Martinez into a save.
Three minutes later, Martinez would make a more comfortable save from Fred's shot, who picked up the ball after Paul Pogba was crowded by Villa players.
Against the run of play, the hosts took the lead on the 24th minute, in what was their first sight on the United goal. John McGinn having disposed Scott McTominay of the ball which fell to Felipe Luiz. The Brazilian found Bertrand Traore who beat his marker, Viktor Lindelof, before powering into the top corner.
The visitors were by far the better side of the half but all their firepower were either not well directed or straight at Martinez. The Argentine made another comfortable save from a 25-yard effort by Rashford on the 39th minute.
Mason Greenwood, who has been a revelation of Ole's side since the restart of the league last season, also saw his low shot saved by Martinez on the 40th minute before Ezri Konsa cleared the danger.
Heading into the final minute of additional time at the end of the first half, Ollie Watkins almost doubled his team's lead after they won possession in United's half, but his early effort was well saved by Henderson.
It was Villa who led into half-time. Man United were by a mile the better side, but in the end, the scoreboard is what matters.
The momentum of the first half was carried to the second as United were desperately in search of an equalizer.
Luck smiled on them in the 51st minute after Douglas Luiz made a loose tackle to bring down Paul Pogba in the Villa box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the resulting kick, sending Martinez the wrong way to level things for the away side. The Portuguese has now scored 17 goals this campaign for United and converted all 13 of his penalties taken.
In a quick fire response, the comeback was complete for Man United in less than five minutes. Aaron Wan Bisaka found Greenwood who fends off the challenge from Tyron Mings and fired a left-footed effort between the hands of Martinez.
The three points would be sealed with three minutes of regulation time left. Amidst a string of pressure play, Rashford stirs a wonderful cross into the Villa penalty area and substitute, Edison Cavani, who had earlier replaced Greenwood, dashed across the face of goal to guide the ball into the bottom corner.
The game climaxed at the death when Ollie Watkins was shown red for a second bookable offense. A ball over the United defense was attacked by the English man but he dived after Henderson attempted to save the ball. Replays showed that there was no contact whatsoever with him and the referee booked him for simulation.
The Red devils are now 10 points behind Manchester City having played a game less, as they continued their fine run away from home which has totalled 25 games on the road without a loss, winning 16 and drawing nine.
They also have won 10 matches from losing positions this season, amassing an amazing 31 pojnts in the process. Take that away from their tally and see how prolific they have been. Perhaps they do not get the credits they deserve.
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