Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United: Five Talking Points

Radamel Falcao's second-half goal was enough to give Manchester United a share of the spoils at Villa Park. The home side took the lead in the first half thanks to Christian Benteke's stunning left-footed finish.Although the visitors dominated the possession, they were unable to create too many chances in the first half. But Falcao's header early in second half levelled the scores and although Gabi Agbonlahor was sent off just after the hour mark, the Red Devils couldn't make their advantage count as they could only draw.Here are the major talking points from the game.

#1 There should be no place for sentiment

When Louis Van Gaal made Darren Fletcher his vice-captain at the start of the season, he showcased a softer side to his rugged exterior. While that isn't much of an issue on its own, when you let emotion cloud your judgement then you have big problems on your hand. Marouane Fellaini's injury meant that there was a gap in the side's central midfield and instead of going for the impressive Ander Herrera, Van Gaal chose the safer and sentimental option in Fletcher.

While the Scot certainly did his defensive duties, he looked lacklustre going forward and was duly substituted at half time with Carrick moving into midfield, which made the side much more of a threat going forward.

#2 Balance is key for United

A lot has been said about Van Gaal's preference for three at the back and the number of times the Dutchman has shuffled his defence. But the truth is that, irrespective of the formation they play, balance is key for the Red Devils.

Jonny Evans started the game as the left-sided centre back and the right-footed Northern Irishman looked out of sorts on the left side. The lack of a natural left-footed player affected the side's balance and meant that although they enjoyed plenty of the ball in defence, they were unable to go forward with any real purpose.

Tyler Blackett's introduction at half time, rectified that and although they were unable to find a late winner, the side looked a lot more cohesive going forward.

#3 Villa need Benteke to stay fit

The score line will reflect that Benteke gave Villa the lead, which they eventually relinquished. But ask anybody who saw the game and they will tell you that the Belgian's performance was worth much more than the beautiful goal he scored to give his side the lead.

The 24-year-old has endured a tough start to the season so far. When he hasn't been injured, he has been suspended and the Villans have really missed the big Belgian's presence up front. Not only does he score the goals, when on the pitch, the striker gives the defenders and midfielders an outlet. Because they know that even a half-decent ball up front will be made into a good one, such is Benteke's aerial prowess.

He demonstrated that against United, not only did he score the goal, he held the ball up and won his side some crucial free kicks, which gave the defence a respite from the barrage of attacks, they had to endure in the second half. If Villa are to stay out of trouble, they need their Belgian goal machine, to be fit and firing.

#4 Strikers struggle without support

Manchester United started the game with a star-studded strike force that featured the combined talents of Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie with Wayne Rooney occupying a midfield berth. But although the Colombian scored the equaliser, neither he nor Van Persie had anywhere near enough service throughout the game.

Aside from Ashley Young who was a menace down the home side's right flank and Carrick, who moved into central midfield in the second half, the visitors struggled to create enough for their strikers. Juan Mata remained largely anonymous and since coming on, Angel Di Maria wanted to do too much on his own. Van Persie was substituted in the second half not because he had a bad game but because he simply didn't have any assistance up front.

And while it is easy to blame the strikers for not scoring or winning the game, it isn't their fault, they haven't been getting the service to score the goals.

#5 All good things come to an end

Manchester United haven't played particularly well over their six game winning streak, but they found a way to win through some clinical finishing and sublime goalkeeping.

Many expected them to continue that run against Villa, who had lost their last six games against United and scored just three games in that run. They hadn't beaten the Red Devils at home in 17 years and if there was one fixture that United always won, irrespective of their form it was against Villa. But unfortunately, that winning run, like all good things, had to come to an end.

And although they huffed and puffed and had a man advantage for the final half hour, they were unable to win and extend their winning run to seven.