Aston Villa player ratings vs Manchester United: A fantastic showing despite Cup exit

Aston Villa are out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It was arguably Villa’s best performance under Steven Gerrard to date but a host of missed chances and two disallowed goals saw them ultimately knocked out in round three.

Emi Martinez - 7

Made a couple of good saves in the first half but had a relatively quiet night - especially in the second period.

Matty Cash - 6.5

Not the best night from the Polish Cafu. Worked incredibly hard but it was just one of those games where things wouldn’t fall for him especially going forward.

Ezri Konsa - 7

Could he be blamed for the goal? Possibly but it was a very good cross and header in fairness. Aside from that he had a really good game and gave Edinson Cavani nothing all night.

Tyrone Mings - 7

As above - Scott McTominay got in between both him and Konsa. It would be harsh to put blame on them but both will be frustrated they let him get such a good run on the ball.

Matt Targett - 7

A few sloppy passes early on but grew into the game and put in a solid performance despite all the rumours swirling around about his potential replacement today.

Jacob Ramsey - 8

Ramsey was very good on the night. Bursting with energy and once again played beyond his years.

John McGinn - 8

Dominanted the middle of the park with Luiz

Douglas Luiz - 8.5*

A very assured performance from the Brazilian and as above, was part of a solid duo that dominated Fred and McTominay.

I feel sometimes his efforts get overlooked but he was so cool, calm and collected on Monday evening.

Emi Buendia - 7.5

You just feel it’s so, so close to happening for Buendia at this point. His talent is there for all to see he’s just missing the final ingredient at the minute. Faded as the game went on but was one of the best players on the pitch early doors.

Danny Ings - 8.5

Would have had a goal and assist had it not been for that pesky offside flag and VAR. The partnership between him and Watkins was the best it has looked this season.

Ollie Watkins - 8.5

Had his goal disallowed as Ings was offside in the build-up but as above, their partnership looked like an actual partnership for the first time this season.

On a personal level though, Watkins never stopped running, hit the bar and really did deserve a goal.

Subs

Anwar El Ghazi - N/A

Came on with 10 minutes to go.

Jaden Philogene-Bidace - N/A

Had a brief cameo in the final five minutes.

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Martinez; Cash, Mings, Konsa, Targett; McGinn, Ramsey (85’ Philogene-Bidace), Luiz; Buendia (79’ El Ghazi), Ings, Watkins

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