Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Match pulse
MANAttacking pressure by 5 minutes
Who won: Man United 3-2
Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-2 on Sunday, April 5, 2009 at Old Trafford. Goals for Man United: Cristiano Ronaldo (14', 80') and Federico Macheda (90'+3'). Goals for Aston Villa: John Carew (30') and Gabriel Agbonlahor (58').
Play by play
- 95'
Anyway, that's pretty much that. Again, props to Villa - that was easily one of the best games I've seen this season, and that's a lot to do with Villa. Barry passed the ball intelligently (shading Carrick, who was influential in the last quarter) and Carew and Agbonlahor made United look very silly on more than a few occasions. Right, I'm off for a lie down.
- 95'
Apologies for going on, but having just seen Macheda's goal again, it really does deserve one more posting. He demands the ball from Giggs and when he receives it, shows wit, dexterity, composure and confidence. Then, in the true spirit of the game, he goes completely insane, running about like a lunatic. Beautiful.
- 95'
With so many players to come back, United will now think themsleves strong favourites to win yet another title. For long periods this afternoon they were inferior to Villa; dicey at the back, careless in midfield and guileless up front. However Macheda's introduction opened things up, bringing Tevez into the play and giving United a focal point up front. He is justifiably the smuggest person in the world right now.
- 95'
As the man who found three holes in the ground said, well well well. United have found that little bit extra when they needed it - three goals of individual brilliance hiding defensive uncertainty and a generally sub-par performance. Hard luck on Villa who played well.
- 95'
FULL TIME: United 3 Villa 2.
- 95'
Keep-ball now from United.
- 95'
Old Trafford is rocking. That did not seem likely half an hour ago.
- 95'
Ronaldo carries the ball deep into Villa's territory and wins a throw.
- 93'
Macheda actualy looks very calm. No one else does.
- 93'
GOAL! An utterly brilliant goal from Macheda. Receives Giggs' pass, Cruyff turns his marker and curls a deliciouly delectable goal round Friedel and into the bottom left hand corner.
- 92'
Evra cuts out a pass that would have left Agbonlahor in on goal.
- 92'
Villa break but United get back well and attack again.
- 91'
Evra's cross is turned behind by Davies. Corner.
- 91'
Five added minutes.
- 90'
Evans it just unable to reach Carrick's cross.
- 89'
Great chance for a winner. Welbeck's shot is saved by Fridel following great work from Ronaldo.
- 88'
Villa have a throw but are trying their best to waste time.
- 87'
Barry is a relieved man. Loses possession and Macheda - who's made a difference - tees up Ronaldo, who hits it high. Danny Welbeck replaces Tevez, who has improved in the last 20 minutes.
- 86'
Giggs almost runs onto Tevez's flick after slick interplay, but Villa clear.
- 83'
Corner comes to nothing.
- 83'
Great shot from Fletcher after a one-two with Giggs and Friedel tips his volley over the bar. Corner.
- 83'
O'Shea robs Shorey charging forward and United launch another attack.
- 81'
United look ready to up the pressure, but Villa will still be dangerous on the break. A great last ten minutes in prospect.
- 80'
GOAL! United work the ball well between Giggs and Carrick and Ronaldo's superb left foot shot from 20 yards beats Friedel low to his left.
- 79'
Ashley Young booked for mouthing off to the linesman.
Leaders
MANAVL 
