“We all knew what was likely to happen, but the realisation still hits you hard and at the moment we have a sad, sad dressing room”. “It’s a minimal step”.
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Marcus Rashford’s seventh goal of the season, turning in Antonio Valencia’s low cross on 32 minutes, proved the victor in Villa’s 24th defeat of the season, which leaves them an insurmountable 15 points short of safety with four games left.
“I wanted to change Rashford also and I have thought that for a long time”. His captain returned after two months out with a knee injury and provided the alert pass from halfway that set up the chance.
Villa interim manager Eric Black echoed Lescott’s appraisal of the performance, claiming the players restored some pride and also going on to pledge his support in attempting to achieve promotion next season, should the club opt to retain his services. “But I think it just goes to show how insane this league has gone, it has been so unpredictable and anyone is vulnerable”.
However, Van Gaal’s side were largely unimpressive, and the Dutchman admitted it was not their best display.
“The Club would like to thank both for all their efforts throughout their short time as members of the Board”, Villa said in a statement.
His skills may be slowly fading, but Wayne Rooney’s competitive fire burns just as hotly as it always has, as Louis van Gaal attested to following Man United’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa. I want to take profit of his momentum, and he was very positive. “It is not like that – we didn’t finish and, at the end, could have drawn and I think that is also not good”.
Former European champions Villa, seven-times champions of England, have been heading out of the top flight for months after winning only three and losing 23 of their 33 league matches before the visit to Old Trafford.
“I was happy with the first goal – an important goal”.
“Rashford is a very positive player and he wants to play and I want to profit him and the side because of the momentum he has”.
He derailed Arsenal’s title challenge on his league debut, scored on his Manchester Derby debut, sent West Ham out of the FA Cup and he now ensured Aston Villa’s relegation.
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Townsend then put the icing on the cake with a cool finish to secure the three points for The Magpies. He said: “I was surprised that we could not lift ourselves because we played a too slow tempo”. I know it is not so easy when you have to play against a very defensive team.
