Philippe Coutinho enjoyed a dream debut for Aston Villa as he climbed off the bench to secure a point against Manchester United.
The Red Devils booked a spot in the FA Cup fourth round with a 1-0 victory over Steven Gerrard’s men on Monday night.
But they couldn’t follow that up with another victory as Villa held them to a 2-2 draw.
Bruno Fernandes’ brace put the visitors in a commanding position with a 2-0 lead, but Coutinho rescued the home side on his debut as he set up Jacob Ramsey to get the Midlands side back into the game, before the Brazilian scored the crucial equaliser as it finished all square.
Manchester United came firing out the blocks in the first half, like they did midweek in the FA Cup, and they made their pressure count as Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for the visitors.
He got a huge helping hand from Villa keeper Emi Martinez, however, who fumbled the midfielder’s effort.
United attempted a short free-kick, something that was clearly worked on in the training ground, to tee up a shot for Fernandes.
The Portugal star didn’t get a hold of his effort but Martinez inexplicably let the ball slip through his grasp as it trickled into the back of the net.
Edinson Cavani might have got in his way ever so slightly but it should have been an easy save for the Argentine, who is normally so reliable for Steven Gerrard’s men.
Cristiano Ronaldo was missing from Ralf Rangnick’s starting XI as he recovers from a hip injury.
The forward has been a one-man band for the Red Devils this season and inevitably there were question marks over who would step up the mark in his absence.
But credit to Rangnick’s side, they managed without him.
Mason Greenwood played liked the Mason Greenwood of last season as he caused Villa’s full-backs all sorts of problems.
Edinson Cavani put in a brilliant shift leading the line too, while Anthony Elanga took advantage of his rare start with plenty of positive moments for the youngster who was preferred to Jadon Sancho.
Fernandes was back to his best, particularly in the first half as he dictated play from the middle of the park, as well as getting on the scoresheet for the first time in four games.
Coutinho climbed off the bench 2-0 down and made an instant impact for Villa with a dream debut.
The Brazilian made a dazzling run into the box as he played a one-two before setting up Ramsey who would reduce the deficit to one goal.
It was a brilliant finish from the youngster who would score his first goal at Villa Park.
Moments later, Coutinho then got on the scoresheet himself as he would put home a close-range effort to secure the draw.
What a way to mark your return to the Premier League.
David de Gea bailed out United once again this afternoon.
Villa were like a different side in the second half as they stormed out the half time gates, taking the game to Man United.
The hosts had several chances but De Gea was able to pull off a string of impressive saves to hold them at bay, until the last 15 minutes or so.
It’s been the story of the past few months for United as the Spaniard has rescued his side on numerous occasions.
This was the De Gea supporters grew to love when he first arrived at the club, until his form took a nosedive the past few seasons.
But it seems we are witnessing peak David de Gea once again.
