Ralf Rangnick had been in charge of Manchester United for almost two months when they played Aston Villa in January. United had failed to make any progress under Rangnick, but they suddenly looked like a rejuvenated side in the first half of that game.
United started the match under the floodlights at Villa Park with real purpose and intent. They looked dangerous with every transition, despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, and they were uncharacteristically organised when not on the ball. Nemanja Matic made the starting line-up that night and the midfield was balanced and cohesive. It was just a shame it was too good to be true.
Although it took 30 minutes for David de Gea to make his first save of the game, he was made to work from that point on. The momentum gradually shifted towards the end of the first half and Villa were on top by the time the whistle for half-time came.
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