Manchester United's pursuit of a top-five Premier League finish suffered a setback as defensive vulnerabilities were

exploited in their defeat against Aston Villa. The match highlighted ongoing concerns about the team's ability to defend

effectively, particularly in crucial moments, a factor that has consistently hampered their progress this season.

Former Manchester United captains Roy Keane and Gary Neville delivered scathing assessments of the defensive

performance, focusing specifically on the role of Leny Yoro in Morgan Rogers' decisive goals. Keane emphasized the need

for players to show greater resilience and determination in defensive situations, arguing that individual talent alone

is insufficient without a commitment to the 'ugly' aspects of the game. He criticized the lack of urgency and

decisiveness in preventing Rogers from creating scoring opportunities, stating that players must proactively address

danger rather than passively reacting to it.

Neville echoed Keane's concerns, pinpointing Yoro's failure to close down Rogers quickly enough as a critical error

leading to the first goal. He highlighted the importance of proactive positioning and decisive action when defending

against skillful attackers, stressing that hesitation can be fatal in high-stakes matches. Neville also suggested that

the absence of key defenders like Harry Maguire and Matthijs De Ligt is exacerbating United's defensive problems.

Beyond individual errors, the analysis pointed to systemic issues within the team's defensive structure. Keane asserted

that Manchester United are among the worst teams in the league out of possession, suggesting a lack of coordinated

effort and tactical discipline. He criticized the team's tendency to take risks and cut corners defensively, arguing

that these shortcomings are consistently punished by opposing teams.

Despite the defeat, Neville acknowledged positive aspects of Manchester United's recent performances, noting that

manager Erik ten Hag has made tactical adjustments in response to the team's struggles. He suggested that these changes,

including a shift away from the manager's preferred system, offer a foundation for future improvement. Neville remains

optimistic that Manchester United can still secure a top-five finish if they can regain key players from the Africa Cup

of Nations (AFCON) and maintain squad fitness.

However, the defeat to Aston Villa serves as a stark reminder of the defensive challenges that Manchester United must

address to achieve their objectives. The ability to defend effectively, both individually and collectively, will be

crucial in determining their success in the remainder of the season. Failure to address these vulnerabilities could

jeopardize their chances of qualifying for European competition and further undermine their long-term ambitions.