BY SPORTS REPORTER WARRIORS star Marvelous Nakamba was yet again missing in action for Premier League side Aston Villa as they battled back from two goals down at the break to force a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in a preseason friendly match at the Optus Stadium in Perth yesterday.
The 28 year-old Zimbabwe international midfielder was not part of the squad named for the clash in Australia.
Nakamba also missed Villa’s previous preseason encounter against Brisbane Roar in Townsville on Wednesday night with Villa coach Steven Gerrard preferring newly signed French midfielder Boubacar Kamara in the defensive midfield role.
The 22-year-old former Marseille player made his Aston Villa debut in a 1-0 win over Leeds United in a pre-season friendly last week.
He followed up his impressive debut with 45 minutes in the 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar on Wednesday before starting again yesterday, suggesting that Gerrard could start him against Bournemouth in the Premier League in two weeks’ time.
Nakamba will be eager to wrestle back his place in the starting lineup ahead of the start of the new season.
Yesterday’s match against Manchester United could have been an opportunity for him to impress as Villa put on a good show in Perth.
A late goal from Calum Chambers salvaged a draw after the Villans went 2-0 down in the first half. His equaliser followed Leon Bailey’s impressive strike shortly after the break.
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Villa performed much better in the second half than the first after Gerrard made five changes for the restart. Man United deservedly led through Jadon Sancho and a Matty Cash own goal in the first half.
