This archive report was first published on 25 September 2021.
Manchester United's title aspirations took a hit on Saturday as Aston Villa secured a 1-0 win at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes missing a stoppage-time penalty.
September 25, 2021, was a day to remember for Villa as they earned their first win against Manchester United since December 2009. Kortney Hause's late headed goal in the 88th minute proved to be the decisive moment, leaving United's players stunned.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expressed his disappointment at the way Villa's players tried to distract Fernandes from taking the penalty. However, he remained confident in his player's ability to bounce back from the miss.
"The way they get round the penalty spot, get round Bruno, that's not to my liking," Solskjaer said.
Despite boasting the top-flight's best attacking record and a star-studded line-up featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernandes, Paul Pogba, and Mason Greenwood, United drew a blank in the league for the first time this season.
United's loss marked their third in four matches in all competitions, following their exit from the League Cup and a late winner in their Champions League opener at Young Boys.
Dean Smith, Villa's manager, was ecstatic about his team's win, saying, "It's been a long time coming. It gives an awful lot of belief to the players."
