- Rio Ferdinand trolled the Brazilian on social media after United earned a late win
- Douglas Luiz made light of being mocked for his goal celebration on social media
- CHRIS SUTTON: Erik ten Hag is still on trial. He needs more than gradual improvement this season to keep his job – It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Douglas Luiz saw the lighter side after being mocked by former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, after the Red Devils earned a late 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
Man United had struck first at Villa Park on Sunday, with Rasmus Hojlund turning in Harry Maguire’s header to score in his fifth successive Premier League game.
Luiz brought Aston Villa level in the second half with the midfielder turning in Leon Bailey’s cross.
The Brazilian produced a shimmy celebration upon finding the net in front of the Holte End, although it appeared to be straight at Raphael Varane who held out his arms in protest.
Varane celebrated Scott McTominay’s 86th minute winner in front of Luiz, with referee Rob Jones forced to intervene in the confrontation.
Douglas Luiz celebrated wildly after equalising for Aston Villa against Manchester United
Luiz scored a second half leveller but Man United struck again late on to secure a 2-1 victory
Former Man United defender Ferdinand also took to X, formerly Twitter, to mock the midfielder following the Red Devils’ late win.
Ferdinand shared an image of Luiz’s celebration accompanied with the caption ‘U ok’ followed by multiple laughing emojis.
Luiz took the jibe in good spirits, responding on Monday morning saying ‘I’m good, thanks it’s just carnaval time in Brazil.’
The light hearted exchange continued with Ferdinand replying with a thumbs up and fist emoji, adding ‘love it!’
Man United boss Erik ten Hag, however, had suggested Luiz’s celebration may have motivated his players at Villa Park.
‘I don’t have an opinion about that,’ Ten Hag said post match. ‘I haven’t spoken to the players. Maybe it’s fuelising, I don’t know.
‘I don’t think it is important. It is about us, we have to think about our game and not the opposition.’
Luiz and his Aston Villa team-mates suffered a late blow in the race for the Champions League
Luiz had shown his frustration on the pitch after Man United’s winnger, as Hojlund trolled the home fans by cheekily reminding them of the score as he was substituted in stoppage time.
The Villa midfielder ushered the Danish forward off the pitch to a furious response from the supporters in attendance.
Man United’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa could prove crucial in the race for Champions League football, with Man United closing the gap to fifth place Aston Villa to five points.
Defeat also saw Unai Emery’s side slip outside of the top four over the weekend, with Tottenham now a point ahead after their last 2-1 home against Brighton.
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