Aston Villa vs Manchester United. Premier League. 3:00pm, Saturday 15th January 2022. Villa Park. Aston Villa came back from 2-0 down to salvage a point against Manchester United. Steven Gerrard’s side managed to bring it back to 2-2 with their new signing, Philippe Coutinho, to thank.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United. The Brazilian signed for Villa this week on a six-month loan deal and was brought on to the pitch in the 68th minute. Within 10 minutes he had played an essential role in Villa’s comeback.
Coutinho started causing United issues with his skill and flair and Fred lunged to try and win the ball. The fellow Brazilian got a touch on the ball which redirected it into Jacob Ramsey‘s path. Ramsey took one touch before firing with his left foot past David De Gea.
Villa found a burst of energy and Coutinho got the equaliser four minutes later. Ramsey was involved again as he found space down the left wing. He zipped in a dangerous ball across the six-yard box where Coutinho was in the right place and right time. He stroked the ball past De Gea and Villa Park erupted.
United started with intensity and arguably played the best opening 45 minutes of their season. Bruno Fernandes put Ralf Rangnick’s side ahead after six minutes but only because of a rare mistake by Emiliano Martinez. Fernandes’ shot bounced out of Martinez’s hands and through his legs to give United the lead.
In the second half, Villa had United under immense pressure but it was the visitors who snatched a goal that doubled their lead.
Morgan Sanson‘s loose pass was intercepted by Fred who found Fernandes in the 18-yard box. The Portuguese midfielder took one touch before blasting past Martinez for his second of the game.
It was at this time when United took their foot off the gas and it showed. Villa kept coming forward and ultimately were rewarded for their efforts.
