Manchester United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Steven Gerrard‘s Aston Villa at the Villa Park.
United started the game brilliantly as stand-in captain Bruno Fernandes gave his side a 6th-minute lead thanks to a howler by Emi Martinez. Telles tapped the ball for Bruno from a set piece outside the box who then struck a shot from distance. Martinez fumbled a routine save and the ball trickled into the net from between his legs.
United looked much more in control of the game than their recent performances. Bruno doubled their lead in the second-half as United won the ball in the opponent’s half, Fred found Bruno at the edge of the box. Bruno’s thumping shot went in off the crossbar giving the keeper no chance.
Villa came back into the game after 77 minutes as Jacob Ramsey’s left-footed shot flew past De Gea. Villa glided past the United midfield with some swift passing and found Ramsey in space inside the box. Ramsey’s first touch made room for the shot and he finished the move with his side foot.
Coutinho had a dream return to the Premier League as the former Liverpool player came back to devastate Manchester United with an equalizer. Coutinho came off the bench in the 68th minute to make his debut for the Claret and Blue. United were cut open yet again down their right flank. Buendia slipped in Ramsey who flashed the first-time ball across the face of the goal. Coutinho scored with a simple tap-in, a couple of yards away from the goal.
Villa failed to beat Manchester United at home for the 23rd time in a row. Manchester United’s last defeat at Villa Park came in 1999 in the League Cup.
Manchester United player rating against Aston Villa
David De Gea: 7
United’s player of the year so far. Made some fine saves in both halves, could do nothing about either goal.
Diego Dalot: 5
Both the goals came down his side. Did well going forward but struggled to keep the defensive shape.
Victor Lindelof: 6.5
Performed better than his last outing but has not done enough to silence his critics just yet.
Raphael Varane: 6.5
Could have arguably done better to keep up with Coutinho for the second goal. Solid for most of the game.
Alex Telles: 6
Put in some decent crosses in the first time. Had to adapt defensively in the second half when United were on the backfoot.
Nemanja Matic: 4
Simply does not have the legs for a 90 minute game in the top flight. Lost his runners on multiple occasions.
Fred: 5
Assisted Bruno Fernandez for his second goal but left a lot to be desired defensively and in possession of the ball.
Bruno Fernandes: 8
The captain led by example. Scored a brace from the midfield to secure a man of the match performance. Took his second goal brilliantly.
Anthony Elanga: 7
A good outing for the youngster. Was a livewire in the United attack and almost punished Matty Cash for his error in the second half.
Mason Greenwood: 6
Needs a goal to help his confidence. Has to do better with some of the chances that fell his way. Almost found the bottom corner in the first half with his right foot.
Edinson Cavani: 5
Provided with little service by the United players around him which did not help. Always works hard for the team and runs relentlessly.
Substitutes
Jadon Sancho: 5
Should have been better on the ball. Did not affect the game much.
Donny Van De Beek: N/A
Came on too late to make a contribution but had one attempt at goal.
Jesse Lingard: N/A
Similar to Van De Beek. Came on too late to influence the game.
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