Villa Park thriller ends in stalemate as United stuns with late comeback

Manchester United lived up to their name of 'the team that never gives up' by making a stunning comeback to grab a point against Aston Villa who failed to sustain their two goal cushion.

Villa, though without nine players, stunned United with an Ashley Young penalty and a Marc Albrighton tap-in with just 15 minutes remaining. However, the deficit spurred United on and they scored through Macheda and skipper Vidic to continue their unbeaten record this season.

To cover their injuries Villa had to dig in deep into their youth resources, handing out a debut start to 21-year-old reserve midfielder Jonathan Hogg while youth-team members Daniel Johnson, Chris Herd and Shane Lowry filled the bench.

United started strongly, dominating the early exchanges. They piled up pressure on Villa, especially through Nani who saw a lot of the ball down the flanks.

It took 13 minutes for the first shot on goal when Nani cut in from the right. But his 20 yard effort flew over the crossbar.

Barry Bannan was impressive for Villa all afternoon, and it was his reverse pass to Stewart Downing inside the United box which led to Villa's first attempt on goal.

Dimitar Berbatov had a genuine chance on goal at the 16^th minute when he beat the offside trap but his hurried near-post shot went wide. United were guilty of missing chances as Wes Brown nicked a near post attempt wide from a Nani free-kick.

As the first half wore on Villa got more into the game and Ashley Young forced Van der Sar into a good save from a free kick. Downing and Dunne both tested the United defence off corners, before the half ended.

Villa started the second half on the front foot, with Albrighton coming close within two minutes of the restart.

Albrighton should have put Villa ahead after 52 minutes. Downing delivered a dangerous far post cross to the onrushing Albrighton, but the youngster's header back across goal just missed the far post.

Dimitar Berbatov retaliated for United and his volley from a Nani corner was well saved Friedel.

Tackles were beginning to fly in and two quick yellow cards were handed out when Luke Young went in late on Nani before Hernandez clattered into Albrighton.

Villa were having a real go at it and they hit the woodwork twice in as many minutes. Collins rattled the crossbar with a header off Downing's left foot before Gabriel Agbonlahor crashed a shot against the post after Ashley Young's initial effort had been blocked.

Villa's increased pressure finally paid off when at 72 minutes Ashley Young was brought down by Brown who came in from behind after Young was released by Agbonlahor. Young drove the penalty to the right sending Van der Sar the wrong way.

While Villa celebrated, Sir Alex brought on Macheda and Obertan for Berbatov and Hernandez.

However, three minutes later Villa doubled their lead. Ashley Young broke for Villa and found Downing with space down left. Under the watchful eyes of Fabio Capello, Downing weighted the perfect ball for Albrighton to comfortably tap in at the far post.

United rallied and Macheda got one back with a 20-yard drive thriller after Darren Fletcher's clever play laid it onto his path.

Nani, who was oblivious for much of the second half, then delivered a peach of a ball for Vidic to head in at the far post, with just five minutes remaining.

That proved to be the last piece of action in an enthralling second half, where Villa's inexperience showed when they allowed their two goal lead to slip. For United, it's yet another draw, and they'll hope Chelsea will drop points against Sunderland's visit on Sunday.