Javier Hernandez is the hero for United after climbing off the bench to turn the game around at Villa Park. The Mexican’s double and assist earned the visitors a stunning 3-2 victory, while Andreas Weimann also bagged a brace for the beaten hosts:
On the Up
Javier Hernandez
Sent on as a sub after half-time, his introduction proved the difference for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Hernandez produced two goals and assist as United came from two down – Ron Vlaar was credited with an own goal for the second, after the Mexican’s strike was deemed to be off target before a deflection helped it into the Villa net.
Andreas Weimann
A peripheral figure in the Villa set-up of late, the Austrian was handed his first start since Gameweek 4 this evening. Weimann notched both Villa’s goals and has surely staked a claim for a regular role, bearing in mind that the hosts had previously scored more than a single goal just once in their opening 10 matches.
Christian Benteke
Having supplied attacking returns in each of his previous two, the Belgian maintained his strong recent form with an assist for Weimann’s opener. The skill and strength displayed in bettering Chris Smalling and composure to set up the Austrian, allied with his current form, has more than vindicated Paul Lambert’s decision to start Benteke over Darren Bent.
Going Down
United Defence
Once again, United’s backline failed to keep out their opponents. Villa had scored just twice in their four league matches prior to this evening but Weimann’s strike just before the break means United have now trailed in seven of their 11 league matches – as this evening’s game showed, grinding out results is simply not an option for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Ashley Young
He’d played 90 minutes in the previous wins over Chelsea and Arsenal but an insipid first-half display against his former club saw the winger subbed off for Hernandez at the break. With a single assist to his name this term, Young is showing little to suggest he deserves a regular role for the league leaders.
