Old Trafford, Manchester. - In a Boxing Day clash filled with twists and turns, Manchester United scripted a remarkable comeback against Aston Villa, emerging victorious in a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford. Rasmus Hojlund's first Premier League goal and a brace from the young Argentine Alejandro Garnacho sealed a sensational 3-2 win for Erik ten Hag's side.

The match marked United's first outing since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 25% stake in the club, with future director Sir Dave Brailsford witnessing the action from the directors' box. Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime due to goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker, United displayed resilience and determination in the second half.

Garnacho, whose earlier goal was disallowed by VAR, emerged as the hero, scoring twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head. The 19-year-old's performance showcased not only his pace and movement but also a clinical finishing ability that had been missing in the team's recent struggles to find the net.

With the score level at 2-2, the game hung in the balance, and it was veteran central defender Jonny Evans who made a crucial intervention. Evans denied McGinn's goal-bound shot with a timely block, allowing United to capitalize on Garnacho's heroics and secure the comeback win.

As the final whistle blew, the relief and jubilation were evident among the United players, with goalkeeper Andre Onana joining in the celebrations. The win propels United within three points of league leaders Manchester City, though the latter has two games in hand.

In a season where goals have been hard to come by for United, Garnacho's timely brace could mark a turning point. The Argentine's combination of speed and scoring prowess proved to be Villa's undoing, leaving them stunned in the second half.

For Aston Villa, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, as they squandered a two-goal lead and missed an opportunity to go level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table. Manager Erik ten Hag, who endured a challenging first half, saw his team deliver a spirited comeback that showcased the resilience reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson's era.

As the curtains fell on this Boxing Day spectacle, the narrative shifted from despair to elation for Manchester United, with Garnacho and Hojlund emerging as the heroes in a memorable turnaround at the Theatre of Dreams.