Rasmus Hojlund gives Sir Jim Ratcliffe era lift off after thrilling Man Utd comeback

A 21st-minute free-kick, awarded for a high Fernandes challenge on Leander Dendoncker, took some time to take, as Leon Bailey distracted the United keeper by standing on his goal-line. Eventually, as Bailey sprinted away from the area, McGinn’s curling right-wing delivery bounced through a crowded six-yard box, just eluding the boot of Ollie Watkins, and flew into the United goal untouched. 

It was a remarkable goal, even allowing for United’s current defensive frailties, and despite a predictably outraged deputation, headed by Fernandes, neither referee Craig Pawson nor his Var were minded to rule out the goal. If that was a bad goal to concede, Villa’s second, five minutes later, was arguably worse, as Ten Hag’s team continued to display their alarming predilection for conceding goals in bunches. 

McGinn’s far-post corner was met by an unmarked Clement Lenglet, who headed back across goal for Dendoncker to beat Onana with an outrageous flick just six yards out. Barely a United defender, or Onana, moved in the process. Stunned United supporters responded with a chorus of boos although, to their credit, Ten Hag’s team created a series of chances later in the half.

In quick succession, Fernandes shot wide when in space, a Marcus Rashford shot was smothered by Martinez, Garnacho failed to pick out Hojlund in a promising situation and Hojlund’s shot was, again, well held by Villa’s keeper. As half-time approached, Rashford again strode through, without testing Martinez, and the boos, noticeable after Villa’s second goal, grew in intensity on the whistle.