Honours even at Villa as Falcao makes point

Radamel Falcao marked his return to the Manchester United XI with a fine headed goal as the Red Devils drew 1-1 at 10-man Aston Villa on Saturday.

Beset largely by injuries and intense competition for places, Falcao made only his fourth start of the season at Villa Park.

His much-needed goal, which pulled United level on 53 minutes, will provide the Colombian with a huge morale boost as United look to continue an unbeaten run now extended to 9 matches.
 
Christian Benteke broke the deadlock on 18 minutes. He picked up Fabian Delph's free-kick and outsmarted Jonny Evans in the penalty box before dispatching a fine finish. 

Unsettled United started to improve with RVP and Juan Mata going close, but it was Falcao who sent the travelling Red Army into delight as he met Ashkey Young's cross with a masterly header after the interval.

Hopes of United completing a comeback were boosted when Gabriel Agbonlahor was dismissed with 25 minutes to go, following a challenge on Young.

United, however, failed to make the man advantage count a d struggled to put late pressure on the Villains, who were worthy of a battling point.

Paul Lambert's men are arguably better than their patchy league form suggests, but - particularly after Agbonlahor's dismissal - Louis van Gaal would have hoped for more from his charges, particularly after the recent run of six wins fuelled title challenge talk. 

Full Time - Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United 
Attendance - 41,273