Manchester United vs Aston Villa 3-2 match today

Manchester United vs Aston Villa 3-2

Aston Villa, under the temporary stewardship of Aaron Danks following Steven

Gerrard's departure looked on course for a shock victory after taking a 2-0 lead

through Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey in the first half. However, Erik ten Hag's

Manchester United roared back in the second half, inspired by substitute Marcus

Rashford.

The opening 45 minutes belonged to Aston Villa. Watkins, freed from his markers,

headed home a delightful cross from Emiliano Buendia to open the scoring in the

12th minute. Bailey doubled the lead ten minutes later, finishing off a swift

counter-attack with a clinical strike.

Manchester United, lacking their usual attacking spark, struggled to create clear-

cut chances. Bruno Fernandes saw a shot saved from distance, while Cristiano

Ronaldo was well marshaled by the Villa defense.

Ten Hag introduced Rashford at the start of the second half, and the England

international's impact was immediate. He pulled one back for United in the 67th

minute, heading home to Eriksen's corner with aplomb.

With the momentum shifting, United piled on the pressure. Antony, another

substitute, equalized in the 81st minute with a deflected shot that looped over

Emiliano Martinez.

And then came the drama. In the 93rd minute, Eriksen's free-kick found its way to

Scott McTominay, whose header was parried by Martinez. However, the ball fell

kindly for Rashford, who tapped home from close range to send Old Trafford into

raptures.

United's dramatic comeback was a testament to their fighting spirit and Ten Hag's

tactical nous. The introduction of Rashford and Antony proved inspired, and the

The Red Devils showed great character to come back from two goals down.

For Aston Villa, the late collapse will be a bitter pill to swallow. They were in control

for long periods but ultimately lacked the composure to see the game out.

The victory keeps Manchester United within touching distance of the top of the

table. They are now just six points behind leaders Arsenal, with a game in hand.

For Aston Villa, the defeat leaves them in 12th place, seven points adrift of the

European spots. They will need to find some consistency in the second half of the

season if they are to challenge for the upper half of the table.