Aston Villa’s hopes of playing in next season’s Champions League were dashed following a controversial 2-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen secured the win for United, but the game wasn’t without drama and a moment that left Villa incensed.
Emiliano Martinez was sent off in a chaotic first half, and Morgan Rogers thought he had equalised when he slotted the ball past Altay Bayindir.
However, referee Thomas Bramall had already blown his whistle for a foul on the United goalkeeper despite Bayindir not appearing to have full control of the ball.
Because the whistle had gone before the ball hit the net, VAR was powerless to intervene, and the goal was chalked off, leaving Villa frustrated.
Coming into the final day, Unai Emery’s men knew their Champions League fate wasn’t entirely in their hands, but with Newcastle falling to defeat against Everton, a draw would have been enough.
Instead, Amad’s opener and Eriksen’s late penalty sealed Villa’s fate and secured a rare win for United their first over a Premier League side that avoided relegation since beating Fulham back in January.
While Villa will rue the missed opportunity and that contentious decision, United found some relief after their Europa League final loss to Tottenham earlier in the week.
Notably, Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana were both missing from the United squad, fuelling speculation about their futures.
In contrast, Villa made some bold selections with Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen starting in defence, and Youri Tielemans returning to the bench after injury.
After the match, United boss Ruben Amorim addressed fans on the pitch with an emotional message, reflecting on the difficult season and looking ahead with hope.
“First of all, I want to apologise for this season. I know you are very disappointed with me and with the team,” he said.
“Secondly, I want to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support over the season. I know it was very hard in many games.
“Now we have to make a choice. Do we get stuck in the past, because this season is in the past, it is over. We fight each other, or we stick together and move forward.
“Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you, the storm is coming. Today, after this disastrous season, I want to tell you, the good days are coming.
“If there is one club in the world that can overcome any situation, any disaster, it’s our club. It’s Manchester United.
“Now I want to say sorry also to my players, sometimes I was not fair, but I try always to be honest with you guys.
“Thank you very much, see you next season.”
Meanwhile, speaking before the game to TNT Sports, Amorim also addressed Bruno Fernandes’ future at the club, suggesting optimism that the Portuguese star will remain at Old Trafford.
“It is important for Bruno to see that we are changing a lot of things in our club,” Amorim said.
“The behaviour, the everyday organisation, the pace of training. All these things, if he sees that we are doing that across all levels, he will want to stay at this club. He loves this club.
“That is the most important thing, not the Champions League. He wants to win with this club and he trains and behaves at a high level. Everybody here needs to do that, he will be here for that.”
