Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn impressed against Manchester United on Saturday, earning praise from pundit Micah Richards.
Villa went to Old Trafford in search of a surprise win – and that’s exactly what they got with a fine performance.
Kortney Hause buried a second-half header to give Villa all three points, though there was some late drama.
United won a last-gasp penalty, but Bruno Fernandes could only smash the ball over the crossbar, leaving Villa to celebrate.
McGinn tireless in Villa midfield
Midfielder McGinn was taken off against Chelsea just a week earlier with a head injury, but he was straight back in against United.
The Scot maybe didn’t show up in terms of stats – just 15 accurate passes, one blocked shot, one aerial won and a yellow card – but he was vital to Villa’s win.
McGinn was full of energy and running, taking Villa up the pitch when they needed to get out.
McGinn earns praise from Richards
Pundit Micah Richards was actually at Villa with McGinn during the 2018-19 season, and commented on him at the weekend.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Richards highlighted one great run up the right flank from McGinn.
Whilst praising how Villa’s intensity was spot on, Richards noted that McGinn was never that quick during their time together at Villa.
Maybe McGinn has managed to get a little quicker in the last couple of years, with Villa reaping the rewards of his style of play.
“Villa were at it from start to finish. John McGinn, he wasn’t this quick when I trained with him!” said Richards.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
