Rasmus Hojlund’s first Premier League goal secured a 3-2 win for Manchester United over Aston Villa after Alejandro Garnacho had scored a brace to claw their way back from two goals down in a breathless encounter on Tuesday.
After 1,027 minutes, Hojlund finally ended his league goal drought in the 82nd when a United corner bounced off John McGinn’s knee and fell to the Dane. The 20-year-old swiped it in off the post and a few minutes later left the game to a standing ovation.
McGinn scored for Villa in the 21st minute from a long free kick that sailed past several players and into the bottom left corner. Leander Dendoncker doubled their lead five minutes later from close range when an unmarked Clement Lenglet headed a corner kick back across goal.
United appeared headed for their ninth defeat in 19 league games before Garnacho netted his first in the 59th minute with a fierce shot from the centre of the box. He equalised for the hosts in the 71st after a give-and-go with Bruno Fernandes.
Mail Sport’s Ian Ladyman rated the players.
Alejandro Garnacho scored a brace as Man United clawed their way back from two down
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Andre Onana
How long can Ten Hag stick with his errant keeper? Failed to deal with the free kick for Villa’s first goal and stuck on his line for second. 5.5
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Vital clearance to deny Villa and looked calm and composed on the ball. 6
Jonny Evans
Another impressive display with some key interceptions and blocks. Huge goal-saving clearance from McGinn in the second-half. 6
Raphael Varane
Back from illness to feature in United’s ninth different defensive partnership this season and was exposed at both set-pieces Villa scored. 5
Diogo Dalot
Not for the first time, he performed like a right-back playing at left-back. Ventured into the final third to supplement attacks and improved. 6
Kobbie Mainoo
Had another midfield partner in Christian Eriksen for a third game running but produced another composed display and started move for second goal. 7
Christian Eriksen
Offered some craft, spurned a couple of early chances and gave United a measure of control in midfield. 6.5
Marcus Rashford showed flashed of his old self and set up Garnacho’s first goal
Marcus Rashford
Back in the team and back on the left. There were glimpses of his old self and he assisted Garnacho’s first goal. 7.5
Bruno Fernandes
A little wayward in the first half and frustration showed, but improved in the second-half and was crucial to the comeback.. 7.5
Alejandro Garnacho
United’s most threatening forward and scored two goals. Had one effort disallowed for offside but then scored twice to level the match. 8
Rasmus Hojlund
Looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders before finally scoring his first Premier League goal. 7
Subs: Antony (for Rashford, 80′), Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 81′), Willy Kambwala (for Hojlund, 89′), Dan Gore (for Eriksen, 90+5′), Hannibal Mejbri (For Garnacho, 90+5)
Manager: Erik ten Hag 6.5.
Defender Diego Carlos lost his composure as United mounted comeback in second-half
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1)
Emiliano Martinez
Quick out of his box as United poured through Villa’s high line and denied Rashford with a clearance. Couldn’t do much about any of the goals. 6
Ezri Konsa
Started well in an unnatural position but was then left exposed in a 1-1 with Rashford as the game progressed. 6
Diego Carlos
Lost his composure as United mounted comeback. At fault for first goal and rescued by VAR after fouling Hojlund in the box. 6.5
Clement Lenglet
Peeled away from United’s defence at corner to set up Dendoncker’s goal. 6
Lucas Digne
Didn’t offer enough going forward before picking up an injury early in the second half. 6
Leander Dendoncker
An improvised finish to end a perfectly executed corner routine for the second goal. 7
Douglas Luiz
Largely uninspiring and failed to do anything of note once Villa succumbed to the pressure. 6.5
Leon Bailey
Started brightly but faded in the second-half and replaced by Zaniolo. 6.5
John McGinn
Opened the scoring with a free kick and showed plenty of energy and passion. 6.5
Jacob Ramsey
Still struggling to keep pace with game after a spell out through injury. 6
Ollie Watkins
Starved of service and had little impact even when Villa were on top in first-half. 6
Manager: Unai Emery 6.
Subs: Alex Moreno (for Digne 50′), Iroegbunam (for Dendoncker 86′), Zaniolo (for Bailey 77′), Duran (for McGinn 86′), Diaby (for Ramsey 77′).
Referee: Craig Pawson 6.
Att: 73,574.
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