MANCHESTER UNITED saved possibly their best performance of a dismal season until the final game by seeing off Aston Villa.
Goals from the livewire and an emotional penalty from the departing bagged the three points.
But the game was not without controversy. First in the first half for a rugby tackle on Rasmus Hojlund.
Then when the referee incorrectly blew his whistle for a foul on United keeper Altay Bayindir.
But replays showed he had spilled the ball and Morgan Rogers fired home what he thought put his side 1-0 up.
couldn’t rightly rule it was a goal as Thomas Brammall had already blown his whistle.
Villa were incensed, United were relieved, and it was the beleaguered hosts who went on to secure a final-day victory.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated United’s stars...
ALTAY BAYINDIR – 6
Handed a start on what will surely be his final competitive game for United.
Showed why as he almost gifted the visitors a goal when Rogers nicked it off him but the ref came to his rescue.
A couple of important late saves to be fair.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
Another one who is saying his goodbyes this summer so got the chance to put himself in the shop window.
The right time to move on but will be a handy free transfer for someone this summer.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
Another glimpse of ‘Harrydinho’ on the wing to create the chance which Dalot put against the post.
At the other end he did his bit to keep a toothless Villa quiet for much of the afternoon.
AYDEN HEAVEN – 6
One slip almost presented the visitors with a rare chance but otherwise another promising show from the young signing from Arsenal.
One positive to come from United’s season is the way he has settled in.
NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 5
Made a positive start on the right and created a couple of early chances for Mount and Fernandes.
But his afternoon lasted only 20 minutes as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Dalot.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
Was off target with a few shots all afternoon but then supplied the pass for Diallo to nod the home side ahead.
Generously gave the pen to Eriksen on his last game. United fans will be praying it wasn’t the skipper’s farewell too.
CASEMIRO – 7
Proved he can still cut it in the Prem as well as in Europe with a decent show.
Nice step over almost created a goal for Fernandes. Floated a beauty that clipped the outside of the post.
Is the veteran worth the huge wages they pay him though?
PATRICK DORGU – 6
The January arrival gives United the kind of balance that Amorim is looking for on the left.
Made it a difficult afternoon for Villa’s full-back Cash. There will be more to come from the former Lecce wide man next season.
AMAD DIALLO – 8
United are a much better side with him in the team and it was fitting that he scored the winner from a perfect pass from Fernandes.
Then won a pen to seal it. The season would not have been this bad if the Ivorian had stayed during the spring.
MASON MOUNT – 6
A rare Prem start and should have marked it with an early goal as he saw two efforts saved by Martinez.
Replaced by the departing Eriksen late on – United fans are still waiting for his Red Devils career to take off.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 6
Forced the red card as he tried to go round Martinez. Another disallowed for offside but it just won’t happen for him.
Left the field to a big ovation before the end – will this be the last we see of the goal-shy Dane at the Theatre of Dreams.
SUBS
DALOT (for Mazrouai 20 – 6
Curled an effort against post. Chose to pass when he should have shot and went off at half-time
MAINOO (for Dalot 45) – 6
Has hardly played recently but showed his quality after the break.
ERIKSEN (for Mount 66) – 6
Determined to bow out with a goal and managed it as he smashed home the pen.
EVANS (for Heaven 66) – 6
What a servant he has been and almost marked his last appearance with a goal.
OBI (for Hojlund 80) – 5
Gave Villa’s over-worked defence a different kind of problem. 5
