Ronaldo-less Red Devils barely survive at Villa Park

Steven Gerrard’s side ended a run of three consecutive defeats in all competitions after a pulsating clash at Villa Park - Phillipe Coutinho’s debut goal completed Aston Villa’s comeback from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Even though Coutinho started the match from the bench, he was introduced to the crowd ahead of the game - on the other hand, fellow January arrival Lucas Digne took his place in the starting line-up.

The home supporters' hype was quickly silenced - a sixth-minute opener came after a howler from Emiliano Martínez who gifted Bruno Fernandes with a goal for the lead. Alex Telles' set-piece found the Portuguese midfielder, Fernandes tried with a long-range shot and the Argentine keeper reacted clumsily to let the ball through his hands and over the goal line.

United team, who were without several important players received a much-needed boost of confidence. Chances kept coming - first Anthony Elanga sent a header wide, then Martínez somewhat redeemed himself and denied Mason Greenwood's effort from close range.

Villa could not find that flying energy they had when Gerrard took over the Birmingham team weeks ago - they looked indeed like a team that had lost their last three games in all competitions. Even so, there were opportunities for the home team however David de Gea showed everyone came to work. After Digne’s corner, the Spaniard made a marvelous save to keep out Emiliano Buendía’s header. It was a preview of what Gerrard’s team was preparing for later on.

After the halftime break, Villa were relentless and had a couple of dangerous attempts. Unfortunately for the hosts, United stormed through and doubled their lead through Fernandes in the 67th minute.

If the first goal was a result of pure luck, the second one was a result of pure quality. After Fred smartly reacted to Morgan Sanson’s sloppy backpass, he found the United captain blasted home to the underside of the bar.

The turning point - Philippe Coutinho stepped onto the grass of Villa Park. And after ten minutes his contribution was crucial in the build-up after which Jacob Ramsey halved the deficit.

Villa continued attacking and deservedly came to equalize in the 81st minute. A memorable comeback came with Coutinho scoring on his debut with a tap-in after being picked out by Ramsey.

Shares were spoiled and Ralf Rangnick will surely not be satisfied with the outcome. Also with the way his team responded to Villa's intensity. United sit seventh while Gerrard's Villa hold the thirteenth place.

PREMIER LEAGUE - Round 22

Friday

Brighton - Crystal Palace 1-1 (0-0)

/Andersen 87 og - Gallagher 69/

Saturday

Man.City- Chelsea 1-0 (0-0)

/De Bruyne 70/

Burnley - Leicester POSTPONED

Wolverhampton - Southampton 3-1 (1-0)

/Jimenez 37, Coady 59, Traore 90+1 - Ward-Prowse 84/

Norwich - Everton 2-1 (2-0)

/Keane 16 of, Idah 18 - Richarlison 60/

Newcastle - Watford 1-1 (0-0)

/Saint-Maximin 49 - Pedro 88/

Aston Villa - Man.Utd 2-2 (0-1)

/Ramsey 77, Coutinho 81 - Fernandes 6, 67/

Sunday

17.00: (1.70) West Ham (3.90) Leeds (5.50)

17.00: (1.33) Liverpool (5.40) Brentford (11.0)

19.30: (2.60) Tottenham (3.25) Arsenal (2.95)

***odds are subject to change