Premier League: Duran, Onana fire Villa to winning start against West Ham
Aston Villa got their Premier League campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against West Ham United – the club’s first result at London Stadium.
Chelsea edged United 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard (Photo: AFP)
A disappointing Manchester United side ended their 2017-18 season trophy less after their FA Cup final loss at the hands of Chelsea and Red Devils winger Jesse Lingard has penned a heartfelt post on Instagram to let the fans know how crushed he is with their defeat.
The 25-year-old United Academy graduate started Saturday’s FA Cup final, but like the rest of his teammates, found the going tough against a disciplined and clinical Chelsea outfit.
Eden Hazard was sent tumbling in the box by a clumsy Phil Jones challenge early on and the Belgian dusted himself off to score a 22nd-minute penalty, which turned out to be the only goal of the night.
DON’T MISS | Player ratings for Manchester United vs Chelsea
With Romelu Lukaku fit only for the bench, United looked out of ideas going forward but they arguably did have the better chances, especially in the second-half.
Marcus Rashford missed a one-on-one but Paul Pogba’s free header late in the game was arguably the best opportunity the Red Devils had to equalise, but both chances went begging as the Blues held on.
MUST READ | 5 talking points from Manchester United vs Chelsea
After coming second in the Premier League, United were favourites to lift the FA Cup at Wembley as they faced a Chelsea side on the brink of a crisis, but Antonio Conte managed to get the last laugh over his nemesis–Jose Mourinho– in the end.
United fans were furious with the result for they felt that after spending so freely in the summer transfer market, a piece of silverware wasn’t too much to ask but Lingard and Co. failed to deliver on the big stage.
The hardworking midfielder was inconsolable after the full-time whistle sounded, with manager Mourinho trying his best to get the 25-year-old back on his feet again.
Lingard will next be in action for England at the World Cup and will strive to put the cup final loss behind him as a youthful Three Lions squad attempts to set the country’s record at the quadrennial tournament right.
Advertisement