Another match, another defeat in qualifying for the Champions League, although this time, it was Manchester United who destroyed the opponent's hopes, not their own.
Man United's 2-0 victory at Old Trafford over Aston Villa has kept Unai Emery's team from a place in the most prestigious club tournament next season.
4 days after blooming their chances to qualify for the Champions League with a defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, Man United's comeback against Villa has left the visitors out of the top 5.
However, the final result could have been different if Emery's side had not lost a man with a red card in the 45th minute for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after a foul on Rasmus Hojlund.
The Red Devils took advantage of their Manpower advantage to find a win, ending what coach Ruben Amorim called a "disaster season" in his post-match speech.
"First of all, I want to apologize for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and the team. I would like to thank you, we are very grateful for your support throughout the season. I know it will be difficult to support us in many games.
However, now we have to make a choice. Or we will be stuck in the past because this season is the past, everything is over. Or we have to fight together, unite and move forward," Amorim said after the win over Villa.
Man United played so badly that Amad's goal in the 76th minute - a header from Bruno Fernandes' pass - was their first home goal in the Premier League since March 9. With Christian Eriksen's winning goal after a penalty in the 87th minute, Man United have only had their third win in the tournament since the end of January.
Martinez's red card and referee Thomas Bramall's decision not to recognize Morgan Rogers' goal contributed to the "Red Devils" winning. While Martinez's red card was clear, Emery and Villa were very angry with the decision afterwards. Villa believes that Rogers' goal was not recognized, which cost them a place in the Champions League.
For Man United, after breaking a series of sad records, they have found joy even though it is not complete. In fact, this win showed that many "Red Devils" players did not deserve to appear on the field.
Amorim has a difficult reconstruction mission ahead, but it needs to start with the liquidation of many poor quality players. Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof will leave as free agents.
However, what will happen to players like Hojlund, Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Luke Shaw, Andre Onana and Bayindir if Man United cannot sell?
The Old Trafford team will not return to the position they want. This season has been truly a forgettable one for Amorim and his students. No title, no place in the European Cup and the finish is closer to the bottom 3 teams than the top 5 teams.
It is a disgrace for Man United. They have been unstable for more than a decade and at some point, they have to start in a different direction.
"6 months ago, in the first 3 matches I was in charge of, with 2 wins and 1 draw, I told you that the storm is coming. Today, after this disastrous season, I want to tell you that good days are coming.
If there is a club in the world that has proven in the past that they can overcome all situations, all disasters, then it is our club, Man United.
Now, I would like to apologize to my players. Sometimes I'm not fair, but I always try to be honest with you. Thank you very much, see you again next season" - Amorim added.
