Manchester United has again sacrificed some crucial points in the Premier League after Aston Villa rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force a 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
The biggest story at the start of the game was the absence of both Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Jadon Sancho being pushed to the bench.
The away fans were nervous since the line-up was so different from what they were used to. After a clever free-kick from Bruno Fernandes caused a poor reaction from the Villa players, and an unsighted Emi Martinez saw the ball go between his legs, United found themselves 1-0 up after six minutes.
Martinez had an opportunity to redeem himself just before the half-hour mark when Fernandes sent in a cross that was missed by Edinson Cavani and the defence. It eventually made its way to Greenwood, who drilled it towards goal, but Martinez had come out to save and made a fantastic block.
32 – Since his Premier League debut in February 2020, only Mo Salah (45) and Harry Kane (34) have scored more goals than Bruno Fernandes (32), while only James Ward-Prowse (7) has scored more goals from outside the box than the Portuguese (6). Speculative. pic.twitter.com/rEeOqkEtoD
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 15, 2022
With a strong stretch of possession, Villa came into the game and began to gain momentum.
United, on the other hand, had a better chance when Lucas Digne lunged in and gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. Alex Telles took it and headed for goal, prompting Martinez to make another spectacular stop. Greenwood responded with a shot that just missed the target.
Villa went for a run after a mistake from Cavani in the centre of the park, but Ollie Watkins’ effort was weak and nestled sweetly into De Gea’s gloves.
During a sequence of corners for Villa, the United goalkeeper had a turn at being the hero. A header that appeared to be on its way in was brilliantly stopped by the Spaniard, who had perfected his positioning and reacted in a split second.
Villa was given another chance just before halftime. Digne found himself in acres of space on the left flank and unleashed a thunderous shot, but it was straight at De Gea, who well stopped it. United led at halftime, but would they be able to expand their lead, or would Villa continue where they left off?
The first opportunity came for Anthony Elanga, but Martinez stood firm once more to deny him. United looked hopeful once more, but Villa came out battling as well. Jacob Ramsey played a great one-two with Morgan Sanson and got his shot off, but De Gea saved it well.
Villa was swarming all over United, making it difficult for the Reds to keep possession of the ball. It seemed like it was only a matter of time before they score their first goal.
United needed to take control of the game, which they did for a little period. A chance for Greenwood was diverted wide before Elanga got a chance that he blazed wide. Greenwood tried again, this time almost brushing the outside of the post.
🇵🇹 67’ Aston Villa 0-2 Man Utd…
👋 68’ Coutinho debuts
🅰️ 77’ Coutinho assists Ramsey
⚽️ 81’ Ramsey assists CoutinhoAn old rival haunts the Red Devils. 😅 pic.twitter.com/RSHGDAbTFs
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 15, 2022
Then it was Villa’s turn to counter-attack, but United stood firm in their defence. As Villa played out from the back, the Reds forced a mistake from the defence, and Fred put in Bruno Fernandes, who had been down on the ground moments before after being fouled by Douglas Luiz.
The skipper didn’t waste any time, firing a rocket towards the goal that ricocheted off the crossbar and into the net. Villa, on the other hand, continued coming and eventually came back into the game when star loan signing Philippe Coutinho set up Ramsey, who buried the ball in the back of De Gea’s net.
Coutinho had a perfect debut, and he followed it up with a goal of his own when the ball slid across the face of the goal and he was there for an easy tap-in. United appeared to be clinging to a point in the last ten minutes after going ahead 2-0.
The game ended in a stalemate, with home fans ecstatic but away fans stunned.
