Given how unpredictable United’s performance has been throughout this season, it’s probably safe to assume that their 4-1 win over Aston Villa came as quite a shock to many fans, including Tunde Folawiyo.  Although they got off to a slow start, it became clear, as the game progressed, that United were determined to defeat their opponents. Rooney was back on form, scoring the first two goals, whilst Mata and Hernandez scored the third and the fourth, respectively, providing their team with a comfortable victory.

At first, it seemed as if the Red Devils would once again leave their fans disappointed, with Aston Villa taking the lead just 13 minutes into the match. This came about after Ashley Young lost possession of the ball to Agbonlahor, who then took a tumble to the ground during Rafael’s attempt to get the ball back. The subsequent free kick awarded to United’s opponents was taken by Westwood, who swiftly kicked the ball past De Gea.

But scoring the first goal of the match did little for Aston Villa’s confidence; rather than continuing to attack with the same gusto that had led to their initial success, they retreated, thus providing United with the opportunity to equalise. Twenty minutes in, the Devils’ chance arrived, with Rooney shooting the ball beyond the keeper’s reach.

His second goal came just before the end of the first half, when Bacuna’s attempt to steal the ball resulted in Mata falling to the ground. The penalty awarded to United was taken by Rooney, who delivered a skilful kick which flew into the net.

After the interval, Aston Villa’s Benteke wasted two viable scoring opportunities; the first of these came when he headed the ball over the bar, whilst the second took place after he failed to convert a cross made by Marc Albrighton. Despite being so far behind, United’s opponents continued to attack with great enthusiasm, and in fact, came very close to levelling on a number of occasions. But as the match neared its end, it was obvious which team had the upper hand; Mata gave United their third goal, and Hernandez quickly followed suit, thus securing a much-needed win for the Red Devils. Supporters such as Tunde Folawiyo were no doubt relieved by the final tally of 4-1.