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He can still do it: Philippe Coutinho (right) turns up the heat at Aston Villa
Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images
German coach Ralf Rangnick has suffered another setback in the English Premier League with Manchester United.
The football record champion lost a two-goal lead at Aston Villa and only managed to score 2-2 (1-0).
The reason: the substitution of former Bayern professional Philippe Coutinho, who scored the equalizer on his debut for Villa.
With a brace from Bruno Fernandes (6th/67th minute), the guests, with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo missing due to injury, took the lead at Villa Park. Fernandes' first goal benefited from a curious blunder by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who slipped the ball between his legs.
Jacob Ramsey (77th) scored the goal, ex-Munich Coutinho was already involved in the 1:2. Then the substitute, who came on in the 68th minute, even scored the equalizer himself (81st). The commitment of the Brazilian, who is on loan from FC Barcelona until the end of the season, only became perfect on Wednesday. Coutinho had played with Villa coach Steven Gerrard at Liverpool years ago. In Barcelona, the Brazilian played practically no role, mostly he only made short appearances.
Both clubs faced each other in the FA Cup on Monday.
The Rangnick team advanced to the next round of the cup with a lucky 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
Aston Villa were disallowed two goals in the game.
Earlier, Man United had lost 1-0 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league.
The club is currently only seventh in the table.
jan/dpan
