Overview
- Bruno Fernandes was withdrawn at half-time with what Ruben Amorim described as a soft-tissue problem, saying it is "going to be a while" before the captain returns.
- Aston Villa won 2-1 at Villa Park through two exceptional goals from Morgan Rogers, extending their overall winning run to 10 matches; Manchester United remain seventh on 26 points.
- With midfield numbers already thinned by AFCON call-ups, injuries and Casemiro’s suspension, United handed debuts to academy prospects Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, and used Lisandro Martínez in midfield.
- Club communications and reporting indicate Kobbie Mainoo is likely to miss Boxing Day against Newcastle, while Casemiro is set to be available after suspension; Fernandes is not expected to feature, though no firm prognosis was given.
- Amorim defended the performance as the "better team" display and outlined tactical work to overload Villa’s midfield shape, as assessments highlighted Matheus Cunha’s bright outing and criticism of Manuel Ugarte’s use of the ball.