Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United- BPL Game 2

Manchester United overcame the first Friday night football action in tough fashion as a winner from Adnan Januzaj settled the points.

United had slugged it going forward but we're excellent defensively and couldn't be faulted as Villa never really carried a threat.

The game in truth was pretty bland but the occasional highlight did come our way with United having the best of chances.

Villa had already looked vulnerable from the start wen on 16 minutes Morgan Schneiderlin had been presented with a glorious free header at the back post. The new signing couldn't put it away but it was a moment that showed nervy signs for Aston Villa.

Richards than had a massive penalty shout after Matteo Darmian was seen distracting and then pulling his shirt in the box. It did seem like a penalty but you would argue that tussling and shirt pulling comes with a corner. Richards said after the game that Darmian said "he was soft" as the Italian gave the "I'm watching you" gesture to Richards at the corner. #Legend

United then came close again through Memphis as Januzajs cross had found him but it had just skimmed over his head.

Just two minutes later and United were in front as Juan Mata supplied a simply magnificent ball into Januzaj on the left hand side. The young Belgian had then left Micah Richards sliding into the stands as Januzaj had seen his shot take a deflection, hit the post and go into the net!

That was really the only major attacks and chances in the first half as Villa never throughout the 90 mins looked overly threatening.

The best chance had fell to Memphis when Mata slipped him through one on one. It had been one of those goals were you just felt like it would go into the net but unfortunately it went inches wide and left me personally in disbelief!

United seemed a little pinned back and sloppy in the second half but once Schweinsteiger came on he was much like the machine we know him for Germany as he dictated the pace and dominated the tempo.

Villa would then throw everything they had at United as their legs began to tire but the long balls were all dealt with very comfortably as United saw out the victory!

Lineups:

Aston Villa XI: Guzan; Bacuna, Clark, Richards, Amavi; Gueye, Veretout [Sanchez 77], Westwood; Ayew, Agbonlahor, Sinclair [Gestede 58]

Subs: Bunn, Baker, Kozak, Hutton, Sanchez, Gestede, Richardson.

MUFC XI: Romero, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw, Carrick [Schweinsteiger 60], Schneiderlin, Mata, Memphis [Young 82], Januzaj [Herrera 60], Rooney.

Subs: Johnstone, Valencia, McNair, Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Young, Chicharito.

Man of the match: Chris Smalling
Chris or Mike (if you are Louis Van Gaal) has been excellent in the first two opening games of the season. He looks a lot stronger and more composed on the ball. He programmed these qualities tonight as he was the rock at the back and the protection to Sergio Romero.

Next Game: Club Brugge (H) Tues 18th Aug- 19:45 BST