MU vs Aston Villa Prediction, 10:00 p.m. May 25: Honor and Dream

Pre-match review

The final match of the 2024/25 season for MU was nothing less than a quiet and bitter farewell. The 0-1 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final last week not only ended a disappointing journey, but also took away the Red Devils' last hope of a European Cup spot next season.

This is the second time in 35 years that MU has not participated in any European tournament, a harsh reality for the team that was once a symbol of power and fame in English football.

More importantly, the defeat to Spurs did not reflect the whole game. MU controlled the ball better, created more chances but were still "powerless" in front of the opponent's goal, a scenario that has been repeated throughout the season.

Before the final round, coach Ruben Amorim and his team had lost 18 matches, including 9 losses at Old Trafford. With only 39 points after 37 rounds, MU is currently ranked 16th, the lowest position in the history of participating in the Premier League. Their previous worst achievement in this tournament was 8th place, in the 2023/24 season.

Red Devils fans once had high hopes for coach Ruben Amorim, the strategist who was considered a “new wind” from Portugal. But after 41 matches in charge, he only brought home 15 victories, reaching a rate of 36.6%, a number that made both the board of directors and fans doubt the ability and influence of the young coach.

“I am ready to leave if I am no longer trusted,” coach Amorim said frankly after the defeat to Spurs. But he also affirmed: “I still believe I am the right person to rebuild this team."

If MU is in a state of "complete disillusionment", Aston Villa, their opponent in the final round, is living in fragile hope.

Coach Unai Emery's team just defeated Tottenham 2-0 to extend their streak of 3 consecutive wins without conceding a goal. Their impressive form has helped them win 9/11 recent matches in the Premier League, a record only 1 match less than MU's total number of wins in the whole season (10 matches).

However, Villa's path to the top four is no longer in their hands. The Birmingham team is currently sixth, level on points with Newcastle and Chelsea, who are fourth and fifth respectively, but behind on goal difference. They need to take all three points at Old Trafford and hope that one of their opponents stumbles. In a more dreamy scenario, if Man City (ranked third) unexpectedly lose to Fulham, the opportunity will open up for Villa.

“We are very excited and fully focused on this decisive match,” coach Emery shared in a press conference before the match. “Regardless of the result, I am proud of the team's journey. At least, we are sure to return to the European Cup."

The clash at Old Trafford tonight may not mean much in terms of points for MU, but it is a battle of honour, where they need to show their pride after a disappointing season. For Aston Villa, this is the last hurdle to turn hope into reality.

Form, head-to-head history

MU and Aston Villa met last October at Villa Park, where the two teams shared points after a goalless draw.

In terms of direct confrontation, MU is on a streak of 8 consecutive matches without a win in the Premier League (D2, L6), but has won 3 of the last 4 times against Villa. The Red Devils have also defeated Aston Villa 40 times in the top flight of the foggy country, only behind their record of the most wins against Everton (42 matches).

For their part, Aston Villa won only 1 of 26 away matches in the final round of the season (drawn 7, lost 18), statistics showing their difficulties every time they have to "go away from home" at the decisive moment.

However, coach Emery's team has won 8 points in the last 7 times facing MU (won 2, drawn 2, lost 3), a number that is enough to boost confidence before the away trip to Old Trafford tonight.

Force information

MU will not have the services of Martinez and De Ligt due to injury.

Aston Villa are without Marcus Rashford and Youri Tielemans for similar reasons. Jacob Ramsey returns from suspension.

Expected lineup

MU (3-5-2): Onana; Lindelof, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Diallo, Garnacho; Zirkzee.

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Rogers, Asensio, McGinn; Watkins.

Score prediction: MU 0-2 Aston Villa

Trong Dat

Source: https://tienphong.vn/nhan-dinh-mu-vs-aston-villa-22h00-ngay-255-danh-du-va-giac-mo-post1745279.tpo