Manchester United saw their six-game winning run in the Premier League come to an end this afternoon as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Aston Villa.
The Red Devils had the better of the early possession, although it was the hosts who edged ahead on 18 minutes when Christian Benteke curled home a fine opening goal.
Radamel Falcao levelled things up shortly after the restart with a powerful header beyond Brad Guzan, but United were unable to find a winner in the remaining time to see the points shared in the West Midlands, despite Gabriel Agbonlahor being shown a red card.
Here, Sports Mole takes a look back at who impressed during the 90 minutes of action at Villa Park.
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ASTON VILLA
Goal
Brad Guzan: Another decent showing from the American stopper, who had to be on guard all afternoon. Young's first-half cross-cum-shot in particular nearly caught him out before he recovered to push it aside. (7/10)
Defence
Matt Lowton: Struggled to deal with the runs of Young down his flank and failed to cut out the cross which led to the equalising goal. (6/10)
Jores Okore: Growing into his role more and more with each game, having finally been given a run in the side. A solid performance from the defender, who seemed to deal with everything that came his way. (8/10)
Ron Vlaar: Returning to the starting lineup this afternoon following a long spell out, the reported Manchester United target showed why he is so highly rated with an impressive showing. (7/10)
Ciaran Clark: A good performance from Clark overall, playing as part of a three-man central defensive unit which kept the Red Devils at bay for the majority. (7/10)
Aly Cissokho: Was forced back for large parts, but he did look to get forward when he could and produced a decent bit of skill in the first half in particular to burst forward before being halted by Jones. (7/10)
Midfield
Andreas Weimann: Fielded in a deeper position than normal this afternoon, Weimann looked to get close to Rooney in the opening 45 minutes, but had less success following the interval. (5/10)
Fabian Delph: A welcome return to the fold for the England international, who has not started a game for 11 weeks due to injury. Added some much-needed drive in the middle of the park. (7/10)
Carlos Sanchez: Another who looked to get on top of United's attacking players, Sanchez can be happy with his showing, even if he could have added more in an attacking sense. (7/10)
Attack
Christian Benteke: His strike was a thing of beauty, while his all-round play was also impressive. Forced De Gea into making a world-class save minutes into the second half, which denied him a second goal. He has now been directly involved in three of his side's last four goals. (8/10)
Gabriel Agbonlahor: Many will argue that it was a harsh decision by referee Lee Mason to show the forward a straight red for his challenge on ex-teammate Young, but it was needless and extremely rash. Thankfully for him, it did not cost his side in the end. (5/10)
Substitutes
Leandro Bacuna: Almost produced a moment of magic when taking range from 25 yards out, only to see his effort sail narrowly over the bar late on. (7/10)
Charlez N'Zogbia: Dropped to the bench for this one, the Frenchman was introduced to add some fresh legs in the final 10 minutes. (6/10)
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MANCHESTER UNITED
Goal
David de Gea: Was left rooted to his spot for Benteke's opener, although he produced another moment of magic in the second half to thwart the Belgian's powerful header. (7/10)
Defence
Antonio Valencia: Fielded more as a right-sided forward rather than a wing-back at times, the Ecuadorian continues to improve in his new role. Replaced 20 minutes from time as Van Gaal opted to change things up. (7/10)
Phil Jones: A solid showing from the centre-back, who not only dealt with balls into the box, but also got out wide to cover the forward bursts made by United's wing-backs. (7/10)
Michael Carrick: Misplaced just one of his 41 attempted passes in the first half, showing that, even in the heart of defence, he is a key part of this United side. Pushed into midfield following the interval and continued from where he left off. (8/10)
Jonny Evans: Improved in the second half with another centre-back alongside him in Blackett, although he looked rather dodgy in the opening 45 minutes. (6/10)
Ashley Young: United's best player on the day, Young caused a lot of problems when going on his surging runs down the left. Was rewarded with an assist for Falcao's goal, although Van Gaal's decision to move him to the opposite side did not pay off. (8/10)
Midfield
Darren Fletcher: Failed to make an impact during his time on the field, and was duly replaced at the interval, with Carrick being pushed into the middle. (5/10)
Wayne Rooney: Had Weimann to contend with for large parts, but, once he shook him off, he was his usual self, spraying passes around the field. One in particular for Van Persie should have been buried by the Dutchman. (7/10)
Juan Mata: Played off Van Persie, but was unable to create too many opportunities. Not his finest afternoon, despite getting a couple of shots in at goal. (6/10)
Attack
Robin van Persie: Squandered two decent openings which on reflection potentially cost his side all three points. Has the ability to finish the hardest of chances, yet that was not the case today. (6/10)
Radamel Falcao: Two starts for United, two goals. This was hardly Falcao at his true Atletico Madrid best, but the fact that he is now on the field and finding the net is hugely promising for Red Devils supporters. (7/10)
Substitutes
Tyler Blackett: Introduced at half time, which was perhaps Van Gaal's way of conceding that he had got his initial selection wrong by fielding Carrick in defence. Things certainly improved with the youngster in the heart of defence. (7/10)
Angel di Maria: Having created 31 chances in his 11 appearances coming into this game, the recently-crowned Argentina Footballer of the Year's return to action at Villa Park is a huge boost for United. Looked lively when coming on, although he could not make a breakthrough. (7/10)
James Wilson: Brought on for the final 15 minutes or so, but United did not create a great deal of chances. Was muscled off the ball by Okore, which is something he will have to work on. (6/10)
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