A moment of individual brilliance, twice over, from Morgan Rogers was enough to give Aston Villa a landmark 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Villa Park on Sunday, extending their best winning run in over a century. For United and their legions of Kenyan supporters, it was a day of grim realities as a growing injury crisis now includes their captain, Bruno Fernandes.

The result cements Villa's unexpected challenge for the Premier League title, placing them third and just three points behind leaders Arsenal. For United, however, the loss leaves them languishing in seventh place, compounding fears that their season is unravelling just as the festive fixtures pile up.

Rogers, in scintillating form, broke the deadlock just before halftime, cutting inside from the left and curling a spectacular shot into the far corner. While Matheus Cunha pulled one back for the visitors almost immediately following an error from Matty Cash, the relief for United was short-lived.

United's Injury Woes Deepen

The most significant blow for the Red Devils came as captain Bruno Fernandes did not return for the second half, having pulled up with an apparent hamstring injury. United manager Ruben Amorim later confirmed it appeared to be a "soft tissue" injury that could see the influential midfielder sidelined for "a while".

The captain's injury is the latest in a string of setbacks for the club.

• Kobbie Mainoo, a rising star, was ruled out before the match with a calf problem.
• The team is also without key players like Casemiro due to suspension.
• Several others, including Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Rogers sealed the historic win for Villa in the 57th minute with a near-replica of his first goal, once again curling the ball past the helpless United keeper. The victory marks Villa's 10th consecutive win in all competitions, a feat the club hasn't achieved since 1914.

As Villa Park celebrated a famous victory, the result sent a clear message about the diverging fortunes of the two clubs. For Unai Emery's high-flying side, the dream of a title challenge is very much alive. For Manchester United, a long and difficult winter lies ahead.