Match Report - Aston Villa 2-2 Manchester United

Competition: Premier League
Kick-Off & Date: 12:45pm, Saturday 13th November
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham (Away)
Attendance: 40,073


Manchester United pegged back a 2-0 deficit against Aston Villa on Saturday, as Federico 'Kiko' Macheda and Nemanja Vidic struck in the last 10 minutes to claim a 2-2 draw at Villa Park. Ashley Young and Marc Albrighton had put the home side two goals to the good within 4 minutes, but Sir Alex Ferguson rang in the changes to save the game for The Reds late on.

Villa were missing a full starting eleven going into the game, but welcomed back the services of striker Gabriel Agbonlahor. Meanwhile, United made just two changes to the team that faced Manchester City on Wednesday, with Wes Brown taking over the role of the injured Rafael Da Silva, while Chicharito was handed a start in the absence - through suspension - of Paul Scholes.

Early on, United were in control and played attractive football for the first 10 minutes or so. However, Gerard Houllier's side responded with some good spells of possession in the away half. Stewart Downing started well for Villa, with his agility causing problems for The Red's defence in the early stages.

However, it was Dimitar Berbatov who had the first real chance of the game, as he was played through one-on-one with the keeper by Chicharito - but the Bulgarian misfired from close range and spurned a glorious opportunity to end his 8-game goal drought for the club. While at the other end, youngster Marc Albrighton came close for The Villains.

Before the first half came to a close, United's frontmen were caught napping when Luis Nani and Patrice Evra initiated a clever move from a free-kick - but no one was in sight when Evra fizzed a ball across the goal. United should have been at least one goal to the good heading into the break, but it was Villa who had the momentum with them... could they carry that into the second half ?

Yes was the answer, and a few minutes after the interval - Villa really should have found the net. Downing's cross was met by Albrighton, but the 20-year-old England Youth International headed inches wide of Edwin Van Der Sar's far post. Villa's momentum carried them on for most of the second half, with James Collins and Agbonlahor both hitting the woodwork just moments apart.

The home side's pressure duly paid off in the 72nd minute, as United faltered in defence. Vidic failed to deal with Agbonlahor on the right hand side, as he cued for Young - rushing into the box - who was hauled down by Wes Brown. Young would have most likely scored, but did just that as referee Mike Dean awarded a penalty, booking Brown in the process.

Brown's foul could have been punished more severely, but Rio Ferdinand was level with him- and could have potentially dealt with Young. Nonetheless, the fact was that Villa were ahead and United would have to wake-up their non-existent midfield if they wanted to achieve something. 

Sir Alex Ferguson was livid, and hauled-off an out-of-form Dimitar Berbatov and a quite Javier Hernandez. Kiko Macheda and Gabriel Obertan replaced the pair. Macheda practically won the Premier League title for The Reds in 2009, scoring a late, late winner against Villa at Old Trafford.

However, the young Italian striker did the reverse on 76 minutes - losing the ball in the home side's half, and allowing them take advantage of a gulf of space in midfield. Downing broke down the left hand side, and managed to slip a cross into the box past two defenders for the impressive Albrighton to knock-in from close range past a helpless Van Der Sar. 

Things had just gotten worse for The Reds. Much worse. But with more than 15 minutes left, including stoppage time, Sir Alex and his Red Army knew they was more than enough time left to get something out of the game. Although, it wasn't going to be the easiest of tasks, as Villa threw everyone behind the ball.

Ferdinand came extremely close to finding a lifeline before the 80th minute mark, but his volley was cleared off the line. After a spate of corners, The Reds' seemed stopped in their tracks - with Darren Fletcher running into traffic. But his smart back-heal found Macheda, who fired a 20-yard screamer into the top right hand corner to get United back on track.

With about 10 minutes to go, the 40,000 strong home crowd were silenced - expecting a barrage of attacks from United. That's exactly what they got, but Villa defended well - sending four efforts out for corners. But they had to break, and did.

Luis Nani, who's play-acting had taken away his concentration on playing football earlier in the game, finally found enough composure to send-in a decent cross. His ball drew goalkeeper Brad Friedel out of position, and allowed captain Vida to get his reliable 'noggin on the ball to save United's skin just five minutes from time.

We now lie three points off the pace in the Barclays Premier League, with Chelsea looking to take that advantage to six when they face Sunderland on Sunday. Meanwhile, Arsenal can overtake The Reds by a point when they travel to Everton.

In truth, United undeservedly share the spoils, but it shouldn't have been a tough contest anyway, considering the under-strength side that Villa were forced to play. Nevertheless, I'm sure you and I will take it !

United Team: Edwin Van Der Sar, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Nemanja Vidic, Ji-Sung Park (Chris Smalling '86), Michael Carrick, Luis Nani, Darren Fletcher, Dimitar Berbatov (Federico 'Kiko' Macheda '73), Chicharito (Gabriel Obertan '73).

Goals: Macheda '81, Vidic '85
Bookings: Nani '53, Hernandez '62, Brown '72, Vidic '72

• Video Highlights: Aston Villa 2-2 United