At Villa Park on 21/12, Morgan Rogers scored two spectacular goals for Aston Villa, while Matheus Cunha netted Man Utd's only goal. The 1-2 result ended the Red Devils' four-match unbeaten streak, dropping them to seventh in the Premier League standings.

However, Amorim assessed that Man Utd controlled the game better, and the outcome did not accurately reflect the match's developments. In this match, Man Utd registered 15 shots with 6 on target, compared to Aston Villa's 11 shots with 4 on target. Man Utd also achieved a better expected goals (xG) metric, at 1,31 compared to 1,02.

"We played very well. I think Man Utd was the better team, creating chances and maintaining stability in our attacking play", Amorim stated. The Portuguese tactician noted that Man Utd defended in an organized manner, accepting one-on-one situations but compensating with quick cover and ball recovery. "We played well, but the disappointment remains. It is important to carry these positives into the next match".

Coach Ruben Amorim (right) applauds fans after Man Utd's 1-2 loss to Aston Villa in premier league matchday 17 at Villa Park, Birmingham, England on 21/12. *Photo: Reuters*

Man Utd has kept only one clean sheet this season, but Amorim dismissed the notion that his team faces a systemic issue in defense. He argued that the manner of conceding goals is what truly matters.

"You can concede goals and still defend well. Today we managed that", Amorim analyzed, emphasizing that Morgan Rogers, who scored two goals with curled right-footed shots into the far corner, was exceptionally difficult to contain for the entire 90 minutes.

One pivotal moment in the match was captain Bruno Fernandes' departure early in the second half due to injury. "We were unlucky, even with Bruno's injury. But even without him on the field, I still think Man Utd was the better team", Amorim said.

The 40-year-old coach also admitted that despite the team's performance, "no one will remember it tomorrow", because in football, results are the decisive factor.

Amorim indicated that Fernandes will likely miss the upcoming match against Newcastle on 26/12 and may only return in early 2026. The Red Devils are currently without Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Kobbie Mainoo due to injury, while Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) have joined their national teams for the African Cup of Nations.

Bruno Fernandes sustained an injury and left the field immediately after halftime. *Photo: PA Wire*

However, Amorim stressed that Man Utd must not react hastily in the winter transfer market. "What we cannot do is enter January with a sense of urgency and make mistakes, only to find ourselves back where we started", he warned, denying that he would pressure technical director Jason Wilcox or CEO Omar Berrada for extensive signings. "I will not sit with them and say we need many players, because Man Utd already has a long-term plan".

According to Amorim, Man Utd may endure a challenging period, but this is the cost of long-term stability. "If we must suffer, the club's benefit must still come first. We need points, but we also need to remain loyal to the plan", the Portuguese tactician expressed.

Hong Duy (according to The Guardian)