Aston Villa v Manchester United: Premier League – live!

10.37am EDT 10:37

72 mins: Some less impressive defensive work from Cavani, losing the ball and tripping El Ghazi, who collided with Maguire as he went over. The United captain will need treatment after taking a hefty blow.

10.35am EDT 10:35

“What’s the most times a team has been 45 minutes away from winning the Premier League?” wonders Phil Grey. It does feel like Groundhog Day for Manchester City after yesterday’s shenanigans.

10.33am EDT 10:33

68 mins: Wan-Bissaka races across to stop the ball going out for a corner, but succeeds only in passing it straight to Matt Targett. His cross is nodded back across goal – but Cavani uses his aerial instincts well, moving to the far post to head it away!

10.32am EDT 10:32

67 mins: Maguire is booked for holding on to Watkins – who was booked in the first half for a clumsy foul on Maguire. The free-kick is swung in, and flicked away by Lindelof …

10.30am EDT 10:30

66 mins: Jacob Ramsey comes on in place of the hapless Douglas Luiz, whose brain-fade allowed United to start turning the game around.

10.29am EDT 10:29

64 mins: Edinson Cavani is coming on, replacing goalscorer Greenwood. Having seen a replay of the possible handball, Greenwood was spinning on the edge of the area, the ball fired at him by Douglas Luiz. It would have been incredibly harsh to give that.

10.26am EDT 10:26

60 mins: Villa aren’t out of this yet! El Ghazi gets in behind and causes a flurry of panic with his ball back across goal. It’s worked back to Targett, and Maguire throws his head in the way of the cross, but Traoré’s shot still forces a save from Henderson. From the corner, there’s a big Villa shout for handball against Greenwood, but no dice, despite a lengthy VAR check as play continues.

Updated at 10.28am EDT

10.24am EDT 10:24

59 mins: Tensions boil over between Konsa and Rashford after a penalty-box battle, the Villa defender having to be hauled away before losing his rag altogether. From the corner, Maguire heads wide.

Ezri Konsa has a quiet word with Marcus Rashford Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Reuters

Updated at 10.31am EDT

10.23am EDT 10:23

A rapid turnaround from United, and credit to Mason Greenwood for taking the chance so clinically – but Mings was uncharacteristically weak with his challenge, and Martinez might feel disappointed by getting beaten at his near post.

10.22am EDT 10:22

Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United (Greenwood 56′)

And now they lead! Wan-Dissaka drifts in from the right and slips a pass to Greenwood, who turns Mings with unacceptable ease before firing a low shot beyond Martinez!

Goal for United! Photograph: Matthew Peters/Manchester United/Getty Images

Updated at 10.29am EDT

10.19am EDT 10:19

55 mins: Traoré gets into space down the right, but dallies for too long and United get numbers back. United currently on course for another point earned from behind …

10.17am EDT 10:17

GOAL! Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United (Fernandes pen 52′)

Bruno Fernandes steps up. Panenka, anyone? No, a stutter-step run-up, and a cool finish to Martinez’s left. The City champagne is back on ice!

Fernandes tucks away the penalty. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Updated at 10.23am EDT

10.16am EDT 10:16

Penalty to Manchester United!

United counter, and Pogba holds the ball up in the area. Douglas Luiz does well to shepherd him away from goal, then inexplicably lunges in with no chance of getting the ball. That’s a penalty.

10.14am EDT 10:14

49 mins: McGinn plays a through ball to Barkley, who looks a yard offside. He cuts it back to El Ghazi, whose shot tests Henderson at his near post …

10.13am EDT 10:13

47 mins: Fernandes rolls the ball to Pogba, whose shot from the edge of the area balloons behind off Mings. United corner, punched clear by Martinez before Pogba’s cross is cut out by the rock-solid Ezri Konsa.

10.11am EDT 10:11

46 mins: Shaw looks aggrieved after getting whistled trying to win the ball high up the pitch. Another reminder: United are the league’s leading second-half scorers.

10.10am EDT 10:10

The second half is go!

Villa get it started. Reminder: if the hosts hold on and win, Manchester City are champions – and a draw means United’s faint hopes would be purely mathematical. Long way to go, of course.

10.05am EDT 10:05

Here’s our report from Wolves 2-1 Brighton, for your consideration.

Morgan Gibbs-White gives Wolves late win against depleted Brighton

10.04am EDT 10:04

“Waltzy’s had a great season,” says Matt Dony, game recognising game. “She’s a top, top contributor. I’m sure she’s saved something in the tank for this brutal run-in.”

10.03am EDT 10:03

“It would be typical of this underwhelming season if United follow City’s defeat yesterday with one of their own, thereby handing City the title in rather downbeat circumstances,” writes Rick Harris.

9.54am EDT 09:54

Half time! Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester United

It’s a fine effort, steered firmly towards the bottom corner, but Henderson gets down well to keep it out. And that’s half time! City are 45 minutes from the title, but you feel Villa may need another to hold off United’s customary fightback.

Updated at 10.03am EDT

9.53am EDT 09:53

46 mins: United play it out and Watkins tries to pinch the ball from Maguire, clattering the defender over like an over-excited puppy. He’s booked, but Villa resume their high press and Watkins has a chance to shoot …

9.52am EDT 09:52

45 mins: One added minute, and Villa pour forward, Matty Cash injecting some urgency. Traoré’s cross doesn’t connect, drifting behind for a goal kick.

9.50am EDT 09:50

44 mins: Konsa is playing on after getting some physio treatment and emptying an entire bottle of water over his head. It does look a little warm at Villa Park, to be fair.

9.49am EDT 09:49

42 mins: The impressive Konsa nods Wan-Bissaka’s cross away with Fernandes lurking – if a little mismatched, height-wise. Konsa lands awkwardly and stays down holding his knee, which is a concern.

9.47am EDT 09:47

41 mins: United come again, Fernandes looking for options on the right-hand corner of the Villa area, then driving to the byline and crossing at pace. Martinez parries it out, and Konsa has to move smartly to make a two-touch clearance a yard from his own goal.

Bruno Fernandes has a chance on goal. Photograph: Nick Potts/Reuters

Updated at 9.52am EDT

9.46am EDT 09:46

39 mins: Fernandes tees up Rashford, whose shot from 20 yards is well-struck, but straightforward enough for Martínez.

9.45am EDT 09:45

37 mins: Having been rocked back by the opening goal, United are building some momentum again. They’ve won 28 points from losing positions this season, which is frankly a bit ridiculous.

9.43am EDT 09:43

“I would love to think that I have something to save for my beloved Everton,” says Mary Waltz (see 14.10).” I fear that that much like the Toffees’ season, I may be running out of bullets. I will attempt to rise above mid table mediocrity, I hope my boys do the same.”

9.41am EDT 09:41

34 mins: Shaw gets upfield and sweeps a low cross across goal, but nobody is there to get on the end of it. Moments later, Fernandes tries to lob Martínez from 40 yards out, and is not particularly close.

9.40am EDT 09:40

33 mins: Villa free kick, which Targett slips wide to El Ghazi. His low cross is cut out by Fernandes, back helping out in defence. The hosts certainly have a spring in their step now.

9.37am EDT 09:37

30 mins: El Ghazi looks for Watkins at the far post, but a be-capped Dean Henderson collects. That chance came from more excellent work from McGinn. Villa fans may know better, but he rarely seems to have an off-day in that midfield engine room.

9.34am EDT 09:34

26 mins: Almost an immediate-ish response from the visitors, as Rashford’s low cross is cleared away by Tyrone Mings.

Marcus Rashford’s cross is cleared by Mings. Photograph: Matt West/BPI/REX/Shutterstock

Updated at 9.44am EDT

9.34am EDT 09:34

It had been an even first 25 minutes, but United appeared to have several more gears to click through. Traoré’s superb opener came against the run of the play, and it means Manchester City will win the title unless United fight back. They’ve done so about 1,500 times already this season, so don’t rule it out.

Updated at 9.55am EDT

9.32am EDT 09:32

GOAL! Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester United (Traoré 24′)

McGinn nicks the ball from McTominay and Douglas Luiz finds Traoré on the edge of the box. The winger tries what looks an ill-advised back flick, but Lindelof doesn’t deal with it and offers Traoré a chance from a tricky angle. He takes it, firing past Henderson and into the top corner!

Dean Henderson watches the ball fly into the top corner. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Goal for Aston Villa! Photograph: Michael Steele/Reuters

Updated at 9.59am EDT

9.30am EDT 09:30

22 mins: With the United front four pressing high up the field, Villa are going long – and McGinn’s through ball almost connects with El Ghazi. McGinn, tenacious as ever, wins the ball back in midfield …

9.27am EDT 09:27

19 mins: United are operating in a fluid shape, with Pogba drifting in from the left, and Greenwood swapping positions with Rashford. Greenwood’s low shot almost falls at Rashford’s feet, but Matt Targett does just enough to squirrel the ball away.

Updated at 9.28am EDT

9.24am EDT 09:24

16 mins: After a spell of midfield strolling, Villa get another corner which Lindelof flicks away. By the way, here’s the last time the title was decided by events at Villa Park.

9.18am EDT 09:18

12 mins: Another Villa corner, as Bertrand Traoré’s snap shot is deflected over the bar. Maguire directs the Slab onto it, and the danger is cleared.

9.17am EDT 09:17

10 mins: They do so effectively, and Matt Targett wins a corner. It’s worked backwards to the left-back, whose cross drifts out of play.

9.15am EDT 09:15

9 mins: Fred sends a low shot straight at Martínez, before Villa try to get a little time on the ball.

9.14am EDT 09:14

“Do you reckon those Zebra shirts have been washed from Thursday night or just pulled back out of the laundry basket?” asks Rick Harris. A quick spritz with Febreze would probably do the trick.

A dazzle of zebras Manchester United players. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Updated at 9.27am EDT

9.13am EDT 09:13

6 mins: It’s been a strong start from the visitors. Luke Shaw cuts in from the left and stings Martínez’s palms, before Pogba’s cross is fielded by the busy Villa keeper. At the other end, El Ghazi sends a speculator low and wide.

9.11am EDT 09:11

4 mins: Rashford’s shot loops up off Ezri Konza, presenting a half-chance to Greenwood whose shot from a tight angle is repelled by Emi Martínez.

9.10am EDT 09:10

“I’d welcome opinions from your esteemed MBM contributors (both of them if they have time and inclination) on whether Mary Waltz will be rotating her MBM input today, perhaps saving her strongest contribution for West Ham v Everton later?” asks Graham Moger.

It’s been a long season, and we’ve got to keep everyone fresh – especially with the Euros looming.

9.04am EDT 09:04

The teams are heading out onto the pitch. United are in their zebra kit, which actually looks pretty fresh with plain black shorts. Here we go!

9.01am EDT 09:01

And Ole Gunnar Solskjær:

Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL)

“We’ll deal with Tuesday and Thursday later on.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer speaks to Sky Sports ahead of today’s game against Aston Villa.

Watch live on Sky Sports PL 📺 pic.twitter.com/xlyAUj5dsc

May 9, 2021

8.59am EDT 08:59

Some pre-match chat from Dean Smith:

Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL)

Dean Smith speaks to Sky Sports ahead of Aston Villa’s game against Manchester United.

Watch live on Sky Sports PL 📺 pic.twitter.com/mB2UTvyU5z

May 9, 2021

Updated at 9.00am EDT

8.53am EDT 08:53

Wolves win! A great moment for Morgan Gibbs-White, who fires home a last-minute winner, five minutes after skying his shot with the goal gaping. It’s what we like to see, and it’s earned Wolves their first ever top-flight win over Brighton! After the final whistle, Neal Maupay was sent off for a tirade aimed at referee Jon Moss.

Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates his late winner. Photograph: Tim Keeton/Reuters

Updated at 8.55am EDT

8.50am EDT 08:50

“I imagine the Tuesday fixture with Leicester will be when Ole’s B-squad will be deployed,” says Mary Waltz. It certainly looks that way; I’m not sure that will really help Leicester, who seem to raise their game against stronger opposition.

8.47am EDT 08:47

The Women’s Super League title is up for grabs today, with Chelsea aiming to hold off Manchester City. Manchester United host Everton, while Villa visit Arsenal and may need a favour from Brighton to stop Bristol City climbing above them in the race to beat the drop. Follow along with John Ashdown:

Chelsea and Manchester City battle for title on final day: Women’s Super League – live!

8.42am EDT 08:42

Here’s Jonathan Wilson on last Sunday’s protests at Old Trafford and where we go from here in the post-Super League era.

There are no easy answers to how football tackles its billionaire owners | Jonathan Wilson

8.37am EDT 08:37

Wolves are level! It’s Adama Traoré with the equaliser at home to Brighton, finishing sweetly after an intricate one-two with Fabio Silva. Elsewhere it’s the final day of League One, where all that’s still up for grabs is the final play-off spot. Portsmouth started the day in sixth but are losing at home to Accrington; as it stands, Oxford will join Blackpool, Sunderland and Lincoln in the play-offs.

8.26am EDT 08:26

Some quotes from Solskjær, care of the Manchester United website: “We’ve been handed a very bad hand … the intensity of the Premier League is so, so high and the quality is so high. We’ve just got to make sure we tick one off [game] at a time. But the players are ready for it, I’m ready for it.

“It’s a challenge we’ll take head on. It’s not like we’ll just throw the toys out of the pram and feel sorry for ourselves. That’s not the way we are. But I had to express how unhappy I am with how they can risk injuries for the players. I’ve got to look after them.”

8.24am EDT 08:24

In Sunday’s early kick-off, Lewis Dunk has put Brighton 1-0 up at Molineux before getting sent off for a professional foul. Half an hour or so to go there, and it’s live on BBC One. As Paul Doyle mentioned here, Brighton are a curious bogey team for Wolves, who have never beaten them in a top-flight game.

Lewis Dunk brings down Wolves’ Fabio Silva as the forward raced clear on goal. Photograph: Tim Keeton/PA

8.16am EDT 08:16

In the end, there’s no drastic reshuffle from Solskjær with four changes from Thursday’s game in Rome. Dean Henderson replaces David de Gea in goal, Victor Lindelöf comes back into the defence, while Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford replace Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani.

Villa go with the same XI that won at Goodison, despite a looming fixture pile-up of their own. Dean Smith’s side end the season with four games in 10 days, starting on Thursday with the return meeting with Everton.

8.09am EDT 08:09

Team news

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Douglas Luiz, McGinn; Traoré, Barkley, El Ghazi; Watkins.Subs: Heaton, Wesley, Nakamba, Elmohamady, Hause, Davis, Ramsey, Philogene-Bidace, Chukwuemeka.

Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelöf, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Pogba; Rashford.Subs: De Gea, Bailly, Cavani, Mata, Alex Telles, Matic, Williams, van de Beek, Tuanzebe.

8.00am EDT 08:00

Preamble

Manchester United like playing at Villa Park. The last game they lost at Aston Villa was in the 1999 Worthington Cup, when Ole Gunnar Solskjær was in the United team. You have to travel back another four years for their last league defeat here, an opening-day embarrassment that led Alan Hansen to opine “you can’t win anything with kids”.

Solskjær might be tempted to test that theory today as United begin a run of three league games in five days. The manager is expected to at least rotate his team with home games against Leicester and Liverpool looming. Villa’s win at Goodison Park has arrested their end-of-season drift, and the hosts might fancy their chances of ending what is now a historic top-flight drought in a single fixture.

Defeat for United this afternoon would secure the title for Manchester City, while even a draw will leave the Reds needing snookers. In reality, United’s primary concerns are securing second place and keeping assorted hamstrings operational with a European final on the horizon. Another victory here would open a 12-point gap on fifth place, and make Champions League qualification a formality.

Of course, had you told Fergie back in 1995 that one day, almost 26 years in the future, United would field even a slightly weakened team at the risk of letting City win the title, he’d have fired up the hairdryer quicker than you can say European Super League. Modern football, bloody hell. Kick-off: 2.05pm, BST.

Updated at 8.28am EDT