Rogers stunner gives Villa lead as Cunha hits late leveller leaves United at 1-1 at halftime

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 halftime scoreline by Aston Villa at Villa Park after Morgan Rogers fired Villa ahead just before the break and Matheus Cunha struck for United in stoppage time.

Rogers produced a stunning finish in first-half stoppage time, curling a shot into the top corner after a move that began with John McGinn holding up the ball and teeing up the winger on the right. It was a moment of quality from Villa at a time they were pressing to turn possession into an advantage, and the strike sent the home crowd into a roar as the interval approached.

United hit back moments into added time as Matheus Cunha converted at close range after Patrick Dorgu intercepted a Villa build-up and fed the Brazilian in the box. Cunha's finish drew the visitors level, and it preserved parity at the break after Villa had gone ahead in dramatic fashion.

Bruno Fernandes, United's captain, had briefly appeared to pull up with what looked like a hamstring issue around the 40th minute and continued for a while, albeit at less than full pace. His visible strain added a layer of concern for United as the half wore on. On the touchline, Roy Keane reflected on Sky Sports that Villa had been content to let United control possession, waiting for a mistake, while United deserved to be level at the break.

Villa had started with intent, disrupting United's build-up and pressing high when out of possession. Yet their plan to build from the back has drawn scrutiny after recent results, and there were glimpses in the first half of why Emery has pursued that approach. The home crowd grew frustrated at times with Ollie Watkins, who spurned chances to influence the game as Villa attempted to play through the visitor's organized press.

The half ended with Villa favored to react quickly in the second period, while United will feel their late equaliser could act as a springboard to secure three points on the road. The teams will resume with fresh legs and a renewed sense of urgency, and both managers will be weighing how to adjust for the second half as they push for momentum in this festive clash.

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