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.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Andre Onana
How long can Ten Hag stick with his errant keeper? Failed to deal with free kick for Villa’s first goal and exposed by poor marking for second. 5.5
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Difficult to recall him ever entering the Villa half but he made the odd decent defensive intervention as United remained disciplined. 6
Jonny Evans
Another impressive display with some key interceptions and blocks. Huge goal-saving clearance from John 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
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
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
Plenty of good fortune about his goal in a performance which was filled with energy and passion. 6.5
Jacob Ramsey
Clearly yet to reach full match fitness 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
