Aston Villa’s Scott Sinclair disappointed with Manchester United defeat

Louis van Gaal claimed that De Gea turned down the chance to play for United against Spurs last weekend as he wants to leave Old Trafford for Real Madrid, but reports from the De Gea camp suggest that claim is not accurate.

Then Van Gaal withdrew Januzaj, introduced the controlling midfield presence of Ander Herrera and new signing Bastian Schweinsteiger and the door at the back was locked.

He said: “I am feeling good after scoring that goal. I hope to have more games in my legs and score more goals”. So a lot of players.

“We pushed Aston Villa, who are an established side and have some very good players, on all levels”.

“Our aim is to improve our squad and when it is possible we shall do it”, he said. “We could be a bit more potent in the final third”.

Januzaj’s goal saw him race onto a splendid pass from Juan Mata before cutting inside Villa captain Micah Richards and beating Brad Guzan with the help of a deflection off Ciaran Clark. The team members have started to gel well with each other, but Van Gaal will be anxious at two things – how easily the defence was left exposed on a couple of occasions and the lack of firepower up front.

De Gea has been persistently linked with a move to Real since last season, with Van Gaal questioning the Spaniard’s focus of late. That’s my benefit of this period.

Taking De Gea’s place is Sergio Romero, who had a number of crucial saves that helped United beat Tottenham.

“But this has been badly managed by Manchester United, make no mistake about that. When they score out of that chance, it shall be very hard”. That ensured that United continue their great record at Villa Park, where the Red Devils have not lost for 20 league games now.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood said: “We still need a bit of time for the players to settle”.

“It takes time, we expected that but what they do is give me is everything”. It’s not ideal, but they will improve.

For the hosts, Gabby Agbonlahor should start to get going as he is the most reliable striker for Villa. Sometimes you get decisions, sometimes you don’t.