Powered by Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United came back from a two-goal deficit to beat usually-sturdy Villa.
Manchester United conjured spirits of old, as they pulled a Red Devils-standard comeback to beat Aston Villa 3-2 from two goals down.
The Red Devils hosted Aston Villa at Old Trafford as they searched for their first win after three defeats and a draw.
Villa scored two first-half goals, and the hosts seemed headed for their fifth defeat at home this season, but an inspired second-half performance saw them not only pull level. but find the winner.
How it happened
Manchester United had a decent start to the game, but it was the visitors who grabbed the first goal of the game, thanks to a poorly defended in-swinging freekick from wide.
John McGinn's attempt evaded all the bodies and ended at the back of the net to give Villa the lead. There was a VAR check after, but the goal stood.
Five minutes later, Villa made it two from another set-piece. This time, Clement Lenglet was found at the back post from a corner-kick, and the Barcelona loanee headed to Leander Dendonker, who flicked the ball past Andre Onana.
Manchester United responded well to the quick-fire double and created chance after chance, but Villa defended resolutely, especially with the highline, which caught out the Red Devils forwards on multiple occasions.
In the second-half, however, the Red Devils were fired up and got the ball in the back of the net five minutes after resumption from the break, but VAR ruled out the goal for offside.
Just under ten minutes later, however, the Argentine combined with Marcus Rashford once again to score; this time the goal stood.
In the 71st minute, he scored the equaliser, thanks to a deflection, and two minutes later, Hojlund, scoring his first Premier League goal for Manchester United, put the Red Devils in the lead for the first time in the game and eventually the winner.
Related content
15:52 - 26.12.2023
Greenwood's festive homecoming: Family time in Manchester for Greenwood and Robson amid career resurgence
Mason Greenwood, currently on loan at Spanish club Getafe from Manchester United, returned to Manchester for a festive celebration with his family.
09:36 - 26.12.2023
FOOTBALL Wanyama sheds light on Alex Ferguson's interest to sign him at Manchester United
Victor Wanyama reveals how close he came to joining Manchester United during his time at Celtic in a pivotal 2012 encounter.
09:12 - 26.12.2023
Amad: Manchester United to listen to offers for Ivorian youngster in January
Amad spent last season on loan at Championship club Sunderland and could leave Manchester United for a return to the English second division this winter.
17:05 - 25.12.2023
FOOTBALL Two-time New York City Marathon champion reacts to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Man United takeover
Geoffrey Kamworor, a staunch Man United fan, has reacted to news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring shares in the Old Trafford football club.
15:56 - 25.12.2023
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's takeover: A new era for Manchester United
The potential takeover of Manchester United by Sir Jim Ratcliffe signals a new chapter for the club, promising significant changes on multiple fronts.
20:15 - 24.12.2023
Manchester United confirm sale of 25% of club shares to Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has finally officially become part of the Manchester United family after the club announced the sale of shares to the INEOS owner
20:05 - 24.12.2023
I really love him — Man Utd legend Gary Neville compares Arsenal forward to Rooney, Tevez
Gary Neville has showered praise on Arsenal's star forward comparing him to Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.