1. Ron Vlaar’s performance backs claims that he is the man to improve United’s defensive problems
Manchester United’s fans may have been paying close attention to Vlaar because of the widespread rumours that their side will attempt to sign the Dutch defender in January to add a leader at the heart of their defence.
United already have some technically gifted defenders who can reach the top level in the future but they lack a leader in their ranks since Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic left the club and, while Michael Carrick adds composure to that back-line, he is only a quick fix to a problem that needs proper attention.
Vlaar had a great game against top class strikers. He was by far the most vocal player for Villa as he frequently organised the back-three. Even when the Villans switched to a back-four, they still dealt well with United’s threat because of Vlaar’s leadership skills.
2. Ashley Young is growing into the left wing-back role
Young was definitely among the best players in this game with the way he dominated his mini-battles with Matthew Lowton and the service he provided from the left flank.
The England winger is getting more comfortable in providing crosses with his weaker foot and this is the second successive game in which he was integral to a crucial goal for United.
3. It is hard not to feel sorry for Gabriel Agbonlahor after this game
Agbonlahor was controversially sent-off after colliding with Young close to the halfway line.
Television replays show Young getting to the ball first but there was no malice in Agbonlahor’s challenge as the centre forward’s eyes were focused on the ball.
Agbonlahor deserved a lot of credit for sacrificing himself in dropping into midfield to help out when Villa pressed United’s midfielders but the striker ended up with his first red card of his career.
4. Falcao’s recent absence added more hunger for the Colombian forward
Falcao managed only one goal for United before his injury problems and Louis van Gaal may have been concerned over the Colombian forward’s desire as he delivered some average performances. This was his first start in two months and the centre forward looked hungry and sharp.
He frequently dropped into pockets of space in between the lines to try to be involved as much as he could and whenever Robin Van Persie dropped into midfield, Falcao intelligently played off the last defender to provide a target for his teammates.
He clearly deserved his goal and passionate Premier League spectators will only hope that the real Falcao is about to emerge.
5. Aston Villa should aim to maintain this level of performance
Paul Lambert may bemoan Agbonlahor’s sending off and the chances his side missed but the Villans boss will be glad with the performance.
Aston Villa were tactically disciplined, they worked hard in all departments to match United’s stars and they showed character to stay in the game in the last 25 minutes when they were a man down.
The problem is consistency. Villa have already produced similarly good performances this season but they usually follow those with disappointing displays. If they keep the standard they showed against Van Gaal’s side then they should eventually get into the top-half of the table.
