Aston Villa game proves Ruben Amorim has finally learned from his Everton failure

Manchester United lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in a tightly fought Premier League encounter on Sunday.

The Red Devils were without seven senior players and then suffered another crushing blow when captain Bruno Fernandes limped off with a hamstring injury in the first half.

Ultimately, it took two moments of pure brilliance from Villa talisman Morgan Rogers to separate the sides and decide the contest.

While dropping points at such a pivotal stage of the season once again stung deeply, Ruben Amorim displayed a long-overdue trait that had been missing since his arrival at Old Trafford.

For the first time, Amorim showed genuine courage, a non-negotiable quality for any Manchester United manager.

The Portuguese faced heavy criticism, and deservedly so, after the 1-0 defeat to Everton last month.

On that occasion, the Toffees were reduced to 10 men for more than 80 minutes, yet United failed to seize control.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s curling strike midway through the first half proved decisive.

United pushed desperately for an equaliser but were repeatedly repelled by stubborn and disciplined defending.

Fans hoped that the head coach would make some inspirational changes but he had just two attackers on the bench.

Mason Mount was introduced at half-time but he was unable to influence the game.

Crucially, Amorim had the chance to abandon his back-three system and gamble by introducing Shea Lacey for a defender.

Instead, caution prevailed as Diogo Dalot replaced Patrick Dorgu, his third and final substitute.

Fast forward to Sunday, and the shift in mindset was unmistakable, with Amorim making far braver in-game calls.

His decision to withdraw Leny Yoro for Lacey in the 84th minute underlined a newfound willingness to chase the game.

United threw caution to the wind, and it nearly paid off when the 18-year-old unleashed a curling effort that forced Emiliano Martinez into a sharp save.

The away end was moments away from erupting in pure ecstasy had that strike nestled in the net.

It may only be a small step, but it is a promising one.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .