Debutant Coutinho inspires Villa comeback draw against Man Utd
Philippe Coutinho made a dream debut for Aston Villa as the Brazil star's late equaliser capped a thrilling fightback from two goals down against Manchester United in Saturday's 2-2 draw. Four years after he last played in the Premier League with Liverpool, Coutinho made an instant impact on his return to England following his loan move from Barcelona this week.
- Sports
- Reuters
- Published Date: 10:41 | 15 January 2022
- Modified Date: 10:47 | 15 January 2022
Aston Villa debutant Philippe Coutinho came off the bench to inspire a comeback in a gripping 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.
United appeared to be on course for a second win of the week against Steven Gerrard's side as Bruno Fernandes struck in each half - the first goal courtesy of a dreadful error by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Villa were much improved in the second half but Coutinho was being readied for his arrival off the bench when Fernandes powered home an unstoppable effort in the 67th minute.
Coutinho was immediately involved though and 10 minutes later he played a big part as Villa got themselves back into the match with a well-worked goal struck home by Jacob Ramsey.
Brazil's former Liverpool playmaker Coutinho then sent the home fans wild with a tap-in from Ramsey's excellent cut back in the 82nd minute.
United, who enjoyed a rather fortunate 1-0 FA Cup win over Villa on Monday at Old Trafford, were stunned and Gerrard's side looked as though they could pull off a remarkable victory with Coutinho forcing a save from David De Gea.
The draw left United in seventh place with 32 points from 20 games, while Villa are 13th with 23 points.