The Independent
·25 May 2025
Manchester United controversially end Aston Villa’s Champions League hopes

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Yahoo sportsThe Independent
·25 May 2025
Manchester United’s worst season in 51 years ended with a 2-0 win against 10-man Aston Villa, who saw their Champions League hopes go up in smoke in controversial fashion at Old Trafford.
Wednesday’s meek Europa League final loss to Tottenham in Bilbao compounded the Red Devils’ wretched campaign, ending their hopes of silverware and European qualification in the process.
United returned to action with the bit between their teeth and dominated for the most part against Villa, with Amad Diallo’s header and the departing Christian Eriksen’s spot-kick sealing a 2-0 victory on Sunday.
Their 11th win of a woeful Premier League campaign means the hosts finish 15th, while Unai Emery’s men have to settle for sixth and Europa League football next term.
United dominated play before and after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saw red for wiping out Rasmus Hojlund at the end of the first half, but Villa were understandably furious to see a Rogers opener ruled out minutes before Diallo scored.
Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir did not have the ball in control when it was taken out of his hands by Rogers, but referee Thomas Bramall blew for a foul before his ball entered the goal meaning it was not reviewable by VAR.