Eight months ago Villa were 10 minutes away from ending a barren spell of more than 25 years at Old Trafford.
John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor’s brace had given Villa a 2-1 lead and United were heading for a third league defeat on the spin for the first time since May 2001.
United’s title hopes lay in the balance but then Cristiano Ronaldo got his 20th goal of the season and debutant teenager Macheda grabbed a wonderful injury-time winner. It was the moment the Premier League pendulum swung back United’s way.
Peter Withe was the hero the last time Villa beat Man Utd at Old Trafford!
So this weekend Villa again go in search of their first Old Trafford success since Peter Withe scored the winner in November 1983.
Of the United side on show last time, only Michael Carrick carried hopes of playing for England in the World Cup finals - but seven of the healthy English class in claret and blue would have been optimistic about being on the plane to South Africa.
Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney are shoo-ins for South Africa, assuming nothing happens to them between now and June 2010.
The defence is 100% stronger when Ferdinand plays. Wes Brown’s defensive versatility should get him among the defenders Fabio Capello is likely to take, while Carrick should go as defensive midfield cover for Gareth Barry.
Good luck to Milner, Young, Agbonlahor and the rest!
