Manchester United dashed Aston Villa’s Champions League dreams with a 2-0 win on the final day of the Premier League season, a match marred by controversial refereeing decisions that left Villa furious.
Despite United’s struggles throughout the season, they surprisingly dominated the opening half against a Villa side fighting for a top-five finish. Villa’s hopes were further dented when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez received a red card just before the break.
Villa thought they had snatched a lifeline in the 72nd minute when Morgan Rogers bundled the ball into the net, but referee Thomas Bramall controversially ruled it out for a foul on United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir.
Moments later, Amad Diallo headed United into the lead, compounding Villa’s frustration. A late Christian Eriksen penalty sealed the result, leaving United in 15th and Villa to settle for a Europa League place despite a season that had promised so much more.
Villa’s manager Unai Emery was left fuming after the final whistle, while United ended a poor season on a rare high, albeit with questions over the refereeing that shaped the game’s outcome.
