Aston Villa new arrival Philippe Coutinho came off the bench and scored an equalizer as Manchester United took a two-goal lead to seal a 2-2 draw at Villa Park in the Premier League on Saturday.
United midfielder Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring at Villa Park thanks to a howler from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano MartÃnez after a long-range opening strike. The midfielder doubled his side's lead with a strike that went down the crossbar into the second half.
Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey ensured a flurry in the final 15 minutes for United as he joined up with Coutinho before opposing goalkeeper David de Gea.
Coutinho, who joined on loan from Barcelona on Tuesday, then became a hero on 82 minutes, joined by Ramsey from a low cross at the back post to loft home to save a point for Villa.
Saturday's result means United failed to make up for fifth-placed Arsenal and sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who went head-to-head before the fixture was postponed on Sunday.
United were without Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford, who interim boss Ralph Rangnik said was unavailable due to injury. Teenager Anthony Elanga started in his place, with Jadon Sancho named on the bench.
United broke the deadlock on six minutes when Fernandes collected a short free-kick from defender Alex Telles and shot it into the throat of Villa goalkeeper Martinez, who let the ball roll out of his hands and into the back of the net.
United continued to dominate the first half, but Villa threatened on a few occasions, especially when new-signer Lucas Digne, who joined Everton on Thursday, was linked with a cross from teammate Matthew Cash, but his The volley was rejected by De Gea. ,
Villa took control of the game after the break, supplying regular pressure on United's goal, but Fernandes doubled United's lead in 67 minutes before collecting a short pass from midfielder Fred, one that was dropped from the crossbar. Well before taking aim with the hit shot.
Coutinho came off the bench in 68 minutes for midfielder Morgan Sanson, who was clearly disappointed as he made his way to the bench, and Gerrard's decision paid early dividends as the midfielder fired Ramsay for a goal on 77 minutes. set.
The pair reversed roles four minutes later, when Ramsay drove the ball to the back post, where Coutinho pushed home, saving a point for his side.
Villa move to 13th place in the Premier League with 23 points after 20 matches.