Manchester United arrived to Villa Park with their sights on their seventh consecutive win in the Premier League, but Louis Van Gaal's men did not consider Brad Guzan's brilliant performance, which denied them of another victory with his great saves.
The Villains went ahead with Christian Benteke's marvelous strike inside the box. Benteke managed to put the ball away from De Gea with a beautifully curled shot, breaking madness at Villa Park This was the first goal for Benteke playing at Villa Park since March 2014. The home crowd used Benteke's goal to make themselves heard by United's players, including former Villain Ashley Young. Aston Villa's supporters were truly harsh with their former member, but this situation seemed to motivate him even further.
After the break, United pushed forward to get a much needed goal. Young, who was determined to make a difference against his former team, took control of the left flank and put his cross inside the box, where Colombian Radamel Falcao headed the ball past Brad Guzan's reach. Falcao started the match for the Red Devils, surprising most fans since Louis Van Gaal was not sure of making him a part of the Starting XI. United's Number 9 almost scored his first brace with his new club, but he was denied by Guzan with awesome saves.
Manchester United were close to making the go-ahead goal, being boosted by a harsh decision by the game's ref. Gabriel Agbonlahor was sent off, giving United the chance to pummel Guzan's net. But they were stopped repeatedly by the American keeper, giving his team the chance to win the game in the final seconds, but their counter attack was not effective against David De Gea.
How did fans react to this match's outcome? Check some of their opinions below!
last week offside goal given to Mata, this week red card against Aston villa
— Arsene-All (@arsenalbarclays) December 20, 2014
Louis van Gaal: "It was beautiful goal [Falcao's]. I am happy for him. I am always happy when Manchester United score."
— Liam (@OffsideLiam) December 20, 2014
Louis van Gaal admits he's disappointed following today's draw: "When you're the better team you have to win." #mufc
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 20, 2014
Wonderful goal from Benteke gives Aston Villa the lead against Manchester United. He bent it like Benteke!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 20, 2014
Imagine if he was healthy for Belgium in Brazil. #Benteke #AVLvMU
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) December 20, 2014
I know it's easy to get caught up in all the adulation and players often just say the right thing but I think Falcao might genuinely love us
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) December 20, 2014
19 points from 21. Falcao scoring today. Players coming back to full fitness. Third in the league. Life isn't 'that' bad....
— Manchester United (@MUFC_POAE) December 20, 2014
Radamel Falcao, for the first time this season, played a full 90 minutes.
— UtdReport.com (@UtdReport) December 20, 2014
Man Utd fans watching Falcao score https://t.co/YhnZCqSWK8
— FootyHumour (@FootyHumour) December 20, 2014
Proud of USA goalkeeper .@bguzan ! Excellent performance against United, especially managing with 10 men in the second half.
— Johnny Pecina (@johnnyjohnnyp) December 20, 2014
Brad Guzan I love you so much.
— 7500 To Holte (@7500toHolte) December 20, 2014
Don't want to jinx him but Brad Guzan looking a more than capable replacement for Tim Howard.
— Craig Burley (@CBurleyESPN) December 20, 2014