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It looked like Manchester United were down heading into the Boxing Day half-time when Aston Villa scored twice in the first half from set pieces.
The Red Devils had not scored in four consecutive games before Tuesday’s match and the attack and minimal service offered to Rasmus Hojlund were heavily criticized before the match.
Erik ten Hag’s decision to bring back Marcus Rashford on the left and shift Alejandro Garnacho to the right proved to be a masterstroke, as the Englishman earned an assist while the Argentinian bagged a brace.
Notable change
The Dane, who had yet to open his account in the English top flight after 14 games, scored a memorable goal and became very emotional after the goal.
Old Trafford was rocking under the lights and it was a fantastic match that the fans and manager will hope is the start of something special.
Fans will hope the defense can do better in the future, but the thrill of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat remains unrivaled and United fans have been treated to it on countless occasions over the years.
It was another timely reminder of the lost art of United’s comeback and should serve as a warning to England teams about the club’s ability to create miracles.
According to Opta, this was the 20-time league champions’ 14th win in the Premier League after trailing by two or more goals.
United leads the lists
United are famous for their comebacks and their famous never-give-up attitude has meant they have done so five times more than their closest rivals.
The victory over Unai Emery’s side was the second time this has happened for the Dutchman, the first coming earlier this season, against Nottingham Forest at the Theater of Dreams.
Rival teams often cowered after leading by a couple of goals when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge, and the Reds emerged triumphant seven times.
José Mourinho was the architect of three of those changes, including the famous Manchester Derby victory in 2018.
