Manchester United vs. Aston Villa result & highlights: Coutinho leads comeback draw vs. Red Devils

Aston Villa's big January transfer window acquisition Philippe Coutinho paid early dividends with a goal and assist to help salvage a 2-2 draw at home against a Manchester United team that wasted a 2-0 road lead in the absence of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Coutinho came into the match as a 68th minute sub with Villa trailing 2-0 and he proceeded to help Villa make an improbable comeback. The Brazilian first assisted Jacob Ramsey on Villa's first goal, and five minutes later scored the equalizer himself.

"I'm very happy to be here and to know my new teammates," Coutinho said after the match. "It was a good start. I think we had a good game. We keep believing until the end. We could win the game, but we didn't lose and we move on." 

MORE: The rare and revealing Cristiano Ronaldo interview

Manchester United started the match strong and deserved its 2-0 lead although it came on two gifts by Villa players. First goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez let a Bruno Fernandes shot go through his arms and legs. Then Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson's poor backpass led to a simple finish for Fernandes, who came away with two goals while donning the captain's armband.

Man United played without Ronaldo despite the optimism from the player and his coach prior to the match that he might be recover in time. He sat out a second straight match after missing the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa the previous Monday. "I expected [Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford] back today, but they were not available. We have to wait and see what the situation will be like for Wednesday."

The result is a modicum of revenge for Steven Gerrard's side which suffered FA Cup elimination against Manchester United five days prior. Man United (7th, 32 points) remains three points out of the all-important fourth place in the Premier League standings, while Aston Villa (13th, 23 points) remains in midtable, a comfortable 10 points above the relegation zone.

Goals:MUN — Bruno Fernandes — 6th min.MUN — Bruno Fernandes (Fred) — 67th min.AVL — Jacob Ramsey (Philippe Coutinho) — 77th min.AVL — Philippe Coutinho (Jacob Ramsey) — 82nd min.

(All times Eastern)

Full-time: Given the effort put forth by Aston Villa in the second half, the draw feels like a just result based on the balance of play. Steven Gerrard and Villa will be delighted by the debuts of both their new acquisitions. Lucas Digne put in a productive shift at left back and then Coutinho ignited the attack when he came on for the final 20 minutes and he showed a budding understanding with Villa rising star Jacob Ramsey.

It will be disappointment for Manchester United which will feel like it should have done more to hold on to a 2-0 lead on the road. When they needed to, the Red Devils failed to get a hold of the match and keep any sustained possession to relieve some of the pressure. Ralf Rangnick and Manchester United will come away with some positive takeaways — Rangnick called it a step forward — especially from its assertive first half. But they looked helpless as Villa upped the pressure in the second half.