Ratings by Matt Nichols.

Tomasz Kuszczak – Didn’t have too much to do but held on to any shots that were fired at him. Could do little about Villa’s goal.

Darren Fletcher – Was kept extremely busy by the lively Ashley Young in the first period and will have been disappointed not to have stopped his cross for the goal. But overall it was another all-action display from Fletch.

Wes Brown – Will be disappointed that Agbonlahor got away from him for the winner, but otherwise it was another typically solid performance from the centre-half.

Nemanja Vidic – Dealt well with Emile Heskey, never allowing him the space to be a real threat. Was unlucky not to equalise late on when his header was cleared off the line by Downing.

Patrice Evra – As dangerous as ever in attack and dealt competently with the threats of Young and Downing.

Michael Carrick – Went close with a low drive in the first half and passed the ball around well. Should have done better with a poked volley after the break.

Anderson – Energetic as always in midfield and was always looking for the killer pass. Was replaced by Gibson just after the hour.