In a real game of two halves, Man United marched onto the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, triumphing 4-2 in a scintillating second half affair.
After a drab first 45 minutes, the visitors took the lead shortly after the restart. Ollie Watkins raced onto Jacob Ramseys' through ball, showing great composure with an excellent dinked finish over Dubravaka.
Their lead lasted just 30 seconds however, with Anthony Martial slotting home to draw the hosts level.
Villa took the lead once again, as Leon Bailey's back-post header from Ashley Young's delicate cross was turned into his own net from Diogo Dalot.
Named in the England squad earlier today, Marcus Rashford was brimming with confidence, latching onto a slip from Tyrone Mings to equalise with a composed finish.
Bruno Fernandes's deflected effort then gave the hosts the lead in the 78th minute. It was the Portuguese Internationals' sixth strike in seven games against the Villains.
Alejandro Garnacho's sublime cross was turned home by Scott McTominay in the dying minutes, ensuring United would be in the hat for the fourth round.
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Garnacho's impact
Introduced at 2-1 down, Garnacho caused havoc down the left and was instrumental in The Red Devils resurgence, injecting energy and drive into the United attack.
The Argentine found Fernandes in space on the edge of the box, who poked United ahead after taking a deflection off Mings.
His impressive cameo continued, playing an exquisite over the top pass, finding McTominay who was able to convert, registering his second assist of the night.
Constantly getting the crowd off their feet, he is certainly a showman. It would not be a surprise if the 18 year old is to cement himself as a regular starter by the end of the season.
"He's full of energy and confidence. It's refreshing to have someone like that on the bench, who can come on and make a big impact. It's just the start for him. There's a lot more goals to come" said Rashford Post-Match.
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Time to end the trophy drought
With Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham all crashing out last night, it was imperative that United would emerge victorious, as the path to Wembley becomes ever clearer.
The fourth round draw which took place after the game would have lifted the dressing room even more, seeing United's two biggest rivals: Liverpool and Manchester City, being pitted against each other in a mouth watering tie at the Etihad.
The draw was favourable to United, with Ten Hag's side set to welcome Championship outfit, Burnley to Old Trafford.
United are currently suffering their worst trophy drought in 40 years, yet to taste success since 2017.
Whilst the Carabao Cup may not be the most glamorous of trophies, it is now their biggest chance to end the drought and bring glory back to Manchester.
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Villa's poor away form continues
Whilst Old Trafford is not the easiest venue to end your away hoodoo, Villa capitulated, throwing their lead away twice, failing to overcome their mental barrier.
With just one win on the road all season- against League One side Bolton, it represents a real problem for Unai Emery's side, with the Villans seeming to play with more fear away from Villa Park.
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New number 2 may be needed in January
It was a night to forget for Robin Olsen, as the Swedish goalkeeper, along with the rest of the Villa backline proved to be the architects of their own downfall.
Poor distribution, he consistently gave the ball away, only completing two out of his 11 long balls. Playing out of the back seems to be key to Emery's philosophy and with his lack of composure on the ball being a problem, it would not be a suprise to see a new goalkeeper recruited in January, more suited to Emery's preferred style.
His poor clearance fell straight to Garnacho, who played in Fernandes, to put United ahead.
With 11 goals shipped in his last 3 games, it is hard to see a future for him at the club.
