Aston Villa 2-2 Manchester United

Philippe Coutinho scored on his debut as Aston Villa came from two goals down to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

The Brazil international, introduced as a second-half substitute, netted an 82^nd-minute equaliser from close range to send Villa Park wild and secure a share of the spoils from an enthralling encounter.

New signing Coutinho netted an assist from Jacob Ramsey, who had handed Villa a lifeline just five minutes earlier when he bagged his first goal at home in claret and blue.

The late comeback sparked scenes of jubilation among the home faithful and was just reward for Villa’s never-say-die attitude, securing a hard-earned point and what was a first draw since August.

The hosts, buoyed by the arrival of January additions Coutinho and Lucas Digne this week, found themselves two goals down courtesy of a brace from Bruno Fernandes, whose early long-range strike slipped through the grasp of Emi Martínez before lashing home off the underside of the crossbar in the second half.

But it was the majority of the 41,968 present who were left to celebrate a remarkable fightback at the full-time whistle.

Digne was handed his Villa debut from the off while fellow Coutinho was named among the substitutes, as head coach Steven Gerrard showed two changes from Monday’s FA Cup defeat to United at Old Trafford.

Digne came in for Matt Targett while Morgan Sanson replaced the suspended John McGinn, with Matty Cash making his 50^th appearance for the club.

Rapturous applause welcomed Coutinho as he was presented to the crowd ahead of kick-off while pyrotechnics greeted the two sides as they emerged on to the pitch.

But Villa got off to the worst possible start as they fell behind after just six minutes, Fernandes’ long-range strike going through the hands of Martínez and over the goal-line.

But Villa’s No.1 made amends during the remainder of the first half, firstly racing out quickly to make a smart block and deny Mason Greenwood after 18 minutes.

The hosts were struggling to pose a threat in the final third and Martínez was again called into action to parry Fernandes’ free-kick before Greenwood sent the subsequent effort wide.

Ollie Watkins tested David de Gea just after the half-hour mark while Martínez again kept out Greenwood at the other end.

Villa’s best opening of the first half came in the 36^th minute as Emi Buendía’s header from Lucas Digne’s corner drew a reaction save from de Gea.

The home side had grown into the opening period and Digne forced de Gea into another stop with his legs just before the interval, but it was the visitors who held a slender advantage.

Kortney Hause replaced the injured Ezri Konsa at the break and it was not long before Martínez was again coming to Villa’s rescue, this time thwarting Anthony Elanga.

Ramsey forced de Gea to get down well and parry his strike before comfortably collecting from Buendía after fine work from the roving Digne.

Villa’s January arrival found the side-netting in the 57^th minute before Elanga and Greenwood both narrowly fired off target in quick succession.

The hosts found themselves 2-0 down in the 67^th minute as Fred picked up a loose pass and fed Fernandes, who lashed home off the underside of the crossbar.

Gerrard turned to Brazil international Coutinho immediately afterwards before Carney Chukwuemeka was also introduced as Villa chased what looked like an unlikely route back into the clash.

But Ramsey soon gave the Villans hope when he lashed home a well-taken finish in the 77^th minute.

And Villa Park was soon on its feet again, scenes of celebration greeting Coutinho’s leveller as he bravely slid in to convert Ramsey’s ball across the face of goal and ensure it finished honours even.