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In a thrilling Premier League encounter at Villa Park, Aston Villa came from behind to hold Manchester United to a 2-2 draw on Saturday. Newly-signed Philippe Coutinho marked his return to the English top-flight with an assist and a goal after Bruno Fernandes bagged a brace to give United a two-goal lead.
United were without Cristiano Ronaldo for the trip to Birmingham but that didn't stop them from taking an early lead, albeit with a little help from Emi Martinez. They controlled the game from that point onwards but could not add a second goal in the first half.
Aston Villa pushed Manchester United on to the backfoot with their high-intensity approach after the break, which laid the foundation for a memorable comeback against United.
We take a look at the five talking points from the game:
#5 Two Aston Villa errors, two goals for Manchester United
The Red Devils bagged an early lead against Aston Villa thanks to a howler from Emiliano Martinez as Bruno Fernandes' long-range shot following a free-kick routine went through his legs and into the back of the net.
Despite claims from the Argentine keeper that Edinson Cavani interfered with his line of sight, the sixth-minute goal was allowed. Though Manchester United enjoyed a great passage of play in the following half an hour, it wasn't until an hour later that the Red Devils were able to double their advantage.
Their second goal of the game was again a result of an error from the hosts, as Morgan Sanson's backpass was not strong enough to make it to Tyrone Mings and was intercepted by Fred. The Brazilian midfielder played through Fernandes who took a touch before slamming the ball into the roof of the net.
Had Villa been more careful, United might've struggled to find the back of the net here.
#4 A game of two halves ends as a well-contested draw
The game concluded as a tale of two halves as Manchester United's first-half dominance was undone by Aston Villa's spirited second-half display.
United took an early lead and set the tempo for the game in the first 30 minutes Ralf Rangnick emphasizes controlling the game but even after Manchester United took a two-goal lead, it seemed like Villa were the more dangerous side.
Villa were struggling in the first half and were chasing the ball for the most part. In the second half, they turned the tables around with an attack-minded approach which United had no answers to.
Both sides put in great displays in either half and it was only fair that both sides shared the spoils here.
#3 Bruno Fernandes shines for Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes was the star man for Manchester United against Aston Villa as he dispatched two goals from the edge of the box here. The sixth-minute opener might have had a slice of good fortune but his second goal was just a sublime finish.
The Portuguese midfielder has now equalled Roy Keane's goalscoring record (33) for the club and apart from Mo Salah, no player has been involved in more goals in the Premier League than Fernandes since February 2020.
#2 Aston Villa's comeback sees them avoid defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League this season
Aston Villa might've lost out to Manchester United in their midweek FA Cup tie but a brave second-half performance at home helped them earn a hard-fought point here
With this draw, Aston Villa were able to remain unbeaten against Manchester United in the Premier League, having recorded a 1-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season.
It is just the second occasion this century that they have managed to go unbeaten against the Red Devils in a league campaign. While their attacking players like Emi Buendía were impressive here, there's still room to improve for the club as Steven Gerrard has just one win in his last six games across all competitions.
#1 Phillipe Coutinho marks his debut with a match-winning performance
Philippe Coutinho had a dream debut for Aston Villa after his move from Barcelona as he ended up with scoring a goal just 14 minutes after coming off the bench. His presence in the final third provided the much-needed spark in Villa's impressive attacking game in the second half.
Lucas Digne also impressed on his debut as his non-stop runs down the left flank were a source of many chances for the home side. But the defender's debut was overshadowed by Coutinho's instant impact.
Coutinho could not have asked for a better debut and will be hoping that he has done enough to earn a place in the starting XI for Villa's upcoming game at Everton next week.
United did not have answers to Villa's late onslaught. It was not just Coutinho's skills that came to the hosts' rescue but his introduction also uplifted both the players' and fans' morale.
