Manchester United suffered just their second Premier League defeat since September as Ruben Amorim’s side lost 2-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday.

Villa opened the scoring 45 minutes into the match as Morgan Rogers cut in from the left and unleashed an unstoppable strike beyond the stretch of Senne Lammens in the United goal. But the visitors drew level in stoppage time at the end of the first-half as summer signing Matheus Cunha beat Emi Martinez from a tight angle after Matty Cash had been dispossessed.

Bruno Fernandes was forced off with an injury at half-time, with Rogers netting a second goal to restore the hosts’ lead just before the hour mark. United pushed forward in search of another goal but were unable to equalise for a second time as they missed out on the chance to climb to fifth in the Premier League table.

Express Sport rates and slates the United players…

Manchester United player ratings (3-4-2-1)

Senne Lammens: 7

Had a busy afternoon as he was called into action time and time again. Made a fine double save early on after Manuel Ugarte had given the ball away but couldn’t do anything Rogers’ two goals.

Leny Yoro: 4

Allowed Rogers to skip past him far too easily for the opening goal and then refused to close down the England international in the box when United fell behind for a second time. Needs to be more aggressive if he is to stamp his authority on matches. Struggled with the presence of Ollie Watkins and was bailed out by Ayden Heaven on more occasions than one.

Ayden Heaven: 7

Made a crucial block to deny a goal early on and was a rock for much of the match as he dealt with Watkins well. Could have been a hammering for United if he wasn’t on the pitch. Mature beyond his years and appears to have a bright future at Old Trafford.

Luke Shaw: 5

Has a huge amount of technical ability but looked vulnerable against Villa’s attackers. Didn’t have too many opportunities to get forward and was fortunate to have Heaven alongside him at the other end of the pitch.

Diogo Dalot: 4

Reverted to the right, with Amad in international duty with Ivory Coast. Appears to be one of Amorim’s favourites but was ineffectual at both ends of the pitch. Failed to stop Youri Tielemans’ cross into the box ahead of Villa’s second goal.

Manuel Ugarte: 5

Gave the ball away in a dangerous area inside the opening 10 minutes as his goalkeeper bailed him out. Was too slow at times, played too many safe passes and failed to protect the United defence as Villa had a field day.

Bruno Fernandes: 7

Was United’s chief creator as usual and attempted to show his leadership credentials by guiding his younger team-mates through the match. But was forced off at the interval after suffering an injury in the first-half.

Patrick Dorgu: 5

Lacked an edge in the final third, although he did win the ball back from Cash ahead of his team’s equaliser. Dawdled on the balls at times and showed no urgency to pick out his team-mates with crosses into the box.

Matheus Cunha: 7

Was a nuisance throughout as he tried to make things happen in front of goal. And showed his quality with an outstanding finish to draw his side level before the break. Tested Martinez with other efforts at goal and will be important for United in the absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad.

Mason Mount: 5

Worked his socks off and pressed well. But doesn’t contribute anywhere near enough to United’s output in front of goal. Snatched at a chance after the break and needs to offer more attacking threat.

Benjamin Sesko: 4

Had a chance midway through the first-half but was thwarted by Martinez. Isn’t clinical enough, doesn’t think quickly enough and isn’t the answer in front of goal for the Red Devils. Was hauled off with 20 minutes remaining after being humiliated by Villa centre-back Victor Lindelof, who was offloaded by the Red Devils in the summer.

Substitutions

Lisandro Martinez: 6

Came on for the injured Fernandes at half-time and slotted into the midfield. Was never going to offer United as much as the Red Devils captain does in midfield, though.

Joshua Zirkzee: 5

Introduced to the action for the final 20 minutes as the Red Devils went in search of an equaliser but didn’t make an impact.

Jack Fletcher: 6

The son of United icon Darren Fletcher was handed a first-team debut in difficult circumstances and held his own.