Manchester United vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.
This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.
Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Manchester United FC 3 - 2 Aston Villa FC
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
22:07
The full-time whistle sparks jubilant celebrations at Old Trafford as United fans celebrate a magnificent 3-2 comeback victory over Villa. They were left with it all to do as McGinn's bizarre free-kick and Dendoncker's flicked finish had the visitors two goals to the good at the break, but United's young guns managed to turn things around. Firstly, Garnacho fired home from Rashford's low cross, before the Argentine levelled with a deflected effort. Hojlund got the winner, taking advantage of a loose McGinn touch in the box to find the back of the net for his first Premier League goal, one that proved to be the winner as the hosts saw out the remaining minutes. It's a huge win for United as they end their winless run, picking up three points that move them up to sixth. For Villa, they miss the opportunity to move level on points with leaders Liverpool, staying in third. They will look to get back to winning ways when they host struggling Burnley on Saturday, while United will hope to win again when they travel to Nottingham Forest. That is all we have for you from Old Trafford, so thanks for your company and goodbye!
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
22:01
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 3-2 ASTON VILLA
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:59
Iroegbunam hauls down Hannibal out of frustration, and United have a free-kick as precious seconds continue to tick away.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:59
Villa have not been able to really trouble United in this added time, though there is still enough time for the visitors to find an equaliser.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:56
Eriksen makes way for Gore as United look to see out these remaining minutes.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:56
Substitution Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra Hannibal Mejbri
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:55
Garnacho looks for his hat-trick as he latches onto Fernandes' long throughball, though he is crowded out before he can find the back of the net and make the points safe.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:52
There are a few groans around Old Trafford as the fourth official's board indicates there will be NINE minutes of added time! Can United hold on?
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:50
Having scored what could prove to be the winner, Hojlund comes off to a great reception from the home crowd. Kambwala is on in his place as Ten Hag looks to shore up his defence.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:48
Konsa is booked for a late sliding challenge on Garnacho.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:48
McGinn, whose touch teed up Hojlund to fire home, is replaced by Duran.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:48
Looking to stem the massive swing in momentum, Emery brings on Iroegbunam for Dendoncker.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:46
Garnacho is the youngest player (19 years and 178 days) to score two goals or more on Boxing Day in the Premier League, surpassing Michael Owen (20 years and 12 days against Newcastle United in 1999).
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:43
Goal Rasmus Winther Højlund
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:41
Rashford, who got the assist for Garnacho's first goal, trudges off for Antony.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:41
Substitution Kobbie Boateng Mainoo Scott Francis McTominay
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:41
What impact will Emery's introductions of Diaby and Zaniolo have? The Villa head coach must be frustrated at his side squandering their two-goal advantage.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:39
Zaniolo, who came off the bench to score a late equaliser against Sheffield United last time out, comes on for Bailey, looking to repeat his late heroics.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:39
Ramsey has struggled to make an impact, and he makes way for Diaby as Emery looks to freshen up his attack.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:39
After Garnacho levelled, United players raced back to the centre circle to get the game restarted. They believe they can kick on and find a winner!
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:35
Yellow Card Diego Carlos Santos Silva
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:35
WHAT A BLOCK! The ball is cut back for McGinn in the United box, and it looks as if he has managed to divert into the back of the net. However, Evans somehow gets back in the nick of time to get in the way of McGinn's shot, saving a certain goal!
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:34
Yellow Card Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:32
Goal Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:32
Twenty minutes left at Old Trafford, and the hosts are pushing for a leveller. Emery would love a third goal to calm any late nerves, though the visitors' attacking threat has dwindled in this second half.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:29
Garnacho's goal was United's first in all competitions in 439 minutes of football since McTominay's 69th-minute strike against Chelsea earlier in December.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:29
United scream for a penalty as Hojlund is bundled over by Carlos, though a delayed flag goes up for offside. United are on top at the moment, though, growing in momentum since Garnacho's goal.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:25
WIDE! A long ball upfield from Onana is not dealt with by Moreno, and Garnacho races onto it. The winger takes the ball into the box before firing towards goal, but he drags his effort a little and it flies wide of the target.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:24
United's defending at set-pieces again leaves much to be desired, though Luiz's header flies well over the target. He really should have done better there with the space he was in.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:23
SAVE!!! Just moments after seeing their lead halved, Villa nearly restore their two-goal advantage through Bailey. The Jamaica international races onto a cross from the left before firing goalwards first time, though Onana gets down well to make a vital stop!
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:20
Goal Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:20
Villa are looking pretty comfortable at the moment, with United managing just the one shot since the break. Emery will be pleased with his side's display to this point.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:18
United fans want a red card as Martinez wipes out Rashford, who latched onto Fernandes' lofted throughball. However, the Villa goalkeeper got to the ball first, and though he does catch Rashford with his follow-through, he got enough of the ball to not be penalised.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:15
United have now failed to score a first-half goal in 13 of their 19 games. Only bottom-half sides Crystal Palace (14) and Sheffield United (16) have failed to score more often in the Premier League this season.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:12
NO GOAL!!! Garnacho thinks he has halved the deficit as United catch Villa on the counter, with Fernandes' clever pass giving Rashford possession on the left. He manages to get it across to Garnacho, who springs the offside trap before going around Martinez and firing home. However, a subsequent VAR check rules that Garnacho was offside from Rashford's pass, and Villa can breathe a sigh of relief!
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:12
Substitution Lucas Digne Alexandre Moreno Lopera
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:09
Goal Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
21:06
The visitors get the ball rolling again for the second half!
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:52
United have it all to do if they are to end their winless run, though there were some positive signs towards the end of that opening 45 minutes. Getting the next goal will prove crucial if they are to find a way back into this match.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:52
The half-time whistle blows as the teams head back to the Old Trafford changing rooms with Villa 2-0 up against United. McGinn put the visitors ahead with 21 minutes on the clock, whipping a free-kick into the box. The ball somehow evaded everybody in the crowded box before flying into the back of the net to edge Villa in front. It was 2-0 shortly after, United again failing to deal with a set-piece as Lenglet nodded McGinn's corner back into the danger area, where Dendoncker was waiting to turn home and leave Emery's men in the ascendancy at the interval.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:51
HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 0-2 ASTON VILLA
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:49
The first booking of the game goes to Ramsey for wiping out Garnacho as United came forward.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:48
We are into four minutes of additional time at the end of this first half.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:46
Fernandes plays a delightful sweeping pass out to his left for Rashford, who drives into the box before lashing goalwards. His shot is really poor, though, and flies well wide of the left post.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:43
Ten Hag's men are still probing for a goal, though Villa are certainly looking a threat when they come forward on the counter. The next goal is absolutely pivotal to the outcome of this match.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:41
Emery will be desperate for his team to make it to the interval with their two-goal lead intact. A United goal before then could give the hosts a huge psychological boost ahead of the second half.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:40
This is just the third time Villa have scored more than once away to United in the Premier League after April 2009 (3-2 defeat) and December 2019 (2-2 draw).
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:38
Martinez is called into action again as Rashford pulls the trigger, though the Argentina international is able to parry away from danger. The hosts are getting closer.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:36
United need a response, and quick. To their credit, they have shown a bit more attacking intent since Dendoncker doubled Villa's lead.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:34
Rashford receives the ball on the edge of the box before firing goalwards, though his low shot again fails to test Martinez as the Villa goalkeeper makes a routine stop.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:33
The hosts look to hit back through Fernandes, but his dipping effort bounces well wide of the target. Martinez has enjoyed a pretty comfortable outing to this point.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:31
What a start for Villa, who must surely fancy their chances of coming away from Old Trafford with three points that will move them joint-top with Liverpool. For United, this could get ugly if they do not sort out their defending at set-pieces.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:28
Assist Clément Nicolas Laurent Lenglet
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:27
Goal Leander Dendoncker
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:26
Villa have won all nine of the Premier League games in which they have taken the lead this season. They usually go on to win the game when they get their noses in front.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:26
It certainly was not the prettiest of goals, but Villa will not care as they now hold a 1-0 lead at Old Trafford. There is plenty of time left, though, and Emery will be hoping his side can keep their concentration for the remaining 67 or so minutes.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:22
Goal John McGinn
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:22
Dendoncker briefly goes down in pain after being caught with a high foot by Fernandes as the two battled for possession. The Villa man will be okay to continue, though.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:20
Rashford is constantly looking for the ball over the top, making run after run in behind the Villa defence. The visitors are employing a very high line, and Martinez will have to be alert to come out and sweep up if Rashford manages to beat the offside trap.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:18
The game has quite an open feel at the moment, with plenty of space to attack. The final ball has been lacking for both sides so far, though.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:16
Villa have won two of their last four Premier League games against United, as many as they had in their previous 51 against them (12 defeats, 37 losses).
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:13
The first shot on target of the contest falls to Eriksen, though his effort from just outside the box is straight down the throat of Martinez, who makes a comfortable save.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:12
Ten minutes on the clock at Old Trafford, and we are yet to have a real clear-cut chance. There is plenty of attacking talent on show, however, so you would expect that to change soon.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:09
Hojlund's first real act is to win a free-kick for his side. He is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League since arriving from Atalanta, but he will be hoping to end that here.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:08
Neither side has really been able to grasp hold of the game yet, with a couple of misplaced passes going astray in these opening exchanges.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:05
United have won 38 of their 56 Premier League games against Villa (13 draws, five defeats), the highest win rate of any side to have faced another at least 40 times in the competition (68 per cent).
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
20:02
The hosts kick us off and we are under way in Manchester!
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:59
The two sets of players make their way onto the Old Trafford pitch ahead of this huge Premier League encounter. Who will be walking away with the three points? We will find out shortly!
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:55
Emery goes with two alterations to his starting XI from the draw with Sheffield United. Matty Cash misses out through suspension, with Carlos brought in to deputise as Konsa shifts across to right-back. Dendoncker for Diaby is the other change.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:55
Ten Hag makes four changes from the 2-0 loss at West Ham, as Varane and Dalot return to the back four for Kambwala and Luke Shaw, the latter of whom misses out altogether with a knock. Eriksen and Rashford come in for McTominay and Antony.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:48
SUBS: Tim Iroegbunam, Alex Moreno, Sam Proctor, Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres, Nicolo Zaniolo, Filip Marschall, Calum Chambers, Jhon Duran.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:48
ASTON VILLA (4-4-1-1): Emiliano Martinez; Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Clement Lenglet, Lucas Digne; Leon Bailey, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey; Leander Dendoncker; Ollie Watkins.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:44
SUBS: Daniel Gore, Willy Kambwala, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Sergio Reguilon, Altay Bayindir, Hannibal Mejbri, Antony, Facundo Pellistri.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:40
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot; Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen; Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Hojlund.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:40
Villa's run of 14 Premier League home victories was ended by struggling Sheffield United last time out, drawing 1-1 at Villa Park on Friday. The Villans remain in third, though, and a victory here would move Unai Emery's side level on points with leaders Liverpool at the Premier League summit.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:36
United failed to follow up an encouraging draw away at Liverpool, losing 2-0 at West Ham on Saturday to make it four games without a win in all competitions. Erik ten Hag's men head into this match in eighth, already eight points off the Champions League places, though a win here against a fellow European hopeful would help to improve the atmosphere surrounding the club.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:31
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
19:30
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
