Aston Villa supporters may be disappointed that they didn't get three, while Manchester United can not be happy with their inability to dominate a weakened Villa. So, to answer the headline's question, perhaps nobody should be happy, but at the risk of being a Pollyanna, allow me to suggest everybody should find a silver lining.
Aston Villa Vs. Manchester United: Who Should Be Happy After The 2-2 Draw?
First, let’s start with the Villans, hard done by the comeback as well as two solid attacks on the woodwork. They played United even in the first half and dominated the first 25 minutes of the second. Villa was the better side today, but how many times have squads said that after facing United? It’s not uncommon. It’s trite, and it ignores reality.
Teams always perform well against United - have for years - yet the results are always the same. And with those results in mind, Villa’s 2-2 draw is a strong result, particularly considering how they played (and who they played with).
Let's move on to United. This was a missed opportunity. Being able to get three on the road from a quality team would have been a huge boost to their title hopes, and against a team starting Barry Bannan and Jonathan Hogg in midfield, United should have Bossed The Match®.
However, not every side is going to face this weak of a Villa squad. A stronger Villa can take points from the best in Birmingham, and in that context, United’s point at Villa Park is a positive. Of course, this draw epidemic is worrisome, but drawing West Brom at home is more worrisome than sharing points with Villa.
Finally, think about the neutrals. What a freakin' match! Though an hour, it was compelling for the match-ups. Then, Ville broke through with Ashley Young brilliance and followed-through with Stewart Downing being his increasingly influential self. Then United reminded us of why they're imminently watchable - they're schizophrenia. The Red Devils pulled the goals back as if destined to do us, and while that unpredictability may cost them a title, it makes out weekends so much more interesting.
Now, on to the mid-Saturday rush.
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