Every Manchester United loss, and there have been a few. in the last 12 months has prompted some sort of inquest or soul-searching... until now.

United were certainly the better team in the first half at Villa Park, maybe the second as well, but they allowed two moments of quality from the Premier League's most in-form player to decide the game in Aston Villa's favour.

Of more concern than losing to a third-placed team on a hot streak is the absentee list; Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out before the game and the ever-present Bruno Fernandes felt his hamstring just before half-time. Lisandro Martinez replaced him in central midfield, cue some Carl-ribbing, but the captain is a huge loss with Newcastle coming to Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

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