Manchester United 3-0 Aston Villa
United U21s Poised for Qualification After Villa Win
Despite spending much of the season in mid-table, United’s youngsters now look in a good position to reach the top four and the knockout stages of the Under 21 Premier League following a convincing 3-0 win last night against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
After a disappointing away defeat to lowly Newcastle, United seemed to have severely jeopardised their chances of qualification but a combination of results elsewhere and yesterday’s win leave the Reds probably only needing two wins from their final three fixtures to book a semi-finals place. Although Manchester United lie in seventh position, two teams above them – Fulham and Southampton – have already completed their fixtures and six points will see United leapfrog the two on goal difference. Unless Sunderland, also currently above the Reds, win their one remaining fixture by an unlikely margin, or Leicester win their three remaining games, this will leave United in the qualifying positions alongside Liverpool, Chelsea and city.
Last night’s match saw the return of James Wilson after illness as well as an appearance for Jonny Evans on his way back from injury and the Reds never looked likely to yield control of the game after Wilson’s superb shot gave them the lead in the first half. This was followed by goals from Joe Rothwell and Saidy Janko: the latter stood out with a performance on the right of midfield that terrorised the Villa left back, while Wilson continues to develop his game and looks every inch a real prospect for the future.
United now visit Spurs before returning to Old Trafford to face Norwich a week on Thursday. Should they win both of those games, this should render the final game at Reading meaningless.
