Aston Villa player ratings following a very poor 3-0 defeat against Manchester United at Villa Park:

Reina

Made a smart stop in the second half but not at fault for any of the United goals.  Vocal at those around him for their shortcomings and offered little in the way of protection from defence in front of him who lost interest as the game went on.  A baffled spectator for long periods.

Konsa

Unfairly judged to have fouled Fernandes for the United opening goal (penalty), when himself fouled.  Terrorised repeatedly down the right hand side, raising questions as to why two recognised fullbacks remained on the bench.

Hause

Struggled alongside the rest of the defence with the movement that United broke with.  Made a couple of good blocks, including preventing a dangerous cross in the second period.

Mings

Target of criticism from Roy Keane as part of Sky’s coverage as chasing shadows for United’s second.  Audibly arguing and swearing at team-mates as the wheels came off the performance.  Mings can’t be faulted for effort but could do little to counter United when they stepped up a gear.  An interesting measure of Mings’ quality against a strikeforce oozing both quality and form.

Taylor

Most of United’s efforts were concentrated down the centre and opposing flank.  Made an important last ditch challenge in the second half.  Didn’t disgrace himself but struggled with the pace and movement around him.

Luiz

One miss-placed pass aside, Luiz continued with his good form and was one of few to be trying to drive the game forward.  Flew into a rage when trying to break in the first half but nobody burst forward with him.  Lots of heart, effort and determination, ultimately wasted as those around him had already given up.  Our standout midfielder.

McGinn

A regression from a promising performance against Liverpool.  Off the pace and far from the engine of the midfield that we recall and so desperately need.  Aside from a tame effort from distance and an over-hit attempt to create something, predictably subbed off.

Grealish (Captain)

An alarmingly isolated display from our marquee man.  It was a concern to see Grealish so out of the game, lacking ideas and devoid of the drive we needed if we were to get back into the game.  Laughing and smiling with the opposition players midway through the second half does little to help.  Top, top footballers stand out and shine whatever the team they are in.  Poor performances happen, but this was not the time for it to occur.

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El Ghazi

Did he play?  A remarkably obscure performance.

Trezeguet

It’s easy to dismiss a player for their mere appearance on the teamsheet, but it’s becoming clear we’ve seen enough.  Hit the post with a clear run on goal, wasting a golden opportunity to take the lead.  Failed to take an opportunity early in the first half after a missed headed clearance and guilty of casual defending in the second.  Simply not good enough.

Samatta

Isolated and rarely threatened as a result.  Had little to feed off.

Subs: Nakamba, Hourihane, Davis & Vassilev – Ineffective.

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