Patrice Evra’s half-time prediction came true after Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-2 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
United were booed off at half-time on Tuesday as goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker seemingly put Unai Emery's in-form Villa side in full control.
Given United’s form going into the game and the dismal first-half showing, another bruising defeat appeared like a forgone conclusion for the Old Trafford faithful.
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However, former club captain Evra remained insistent United would claim a victory, even when Ten Hag’s men were 2-0 down.
At half-time Evra told Amazon Prime: “If they play the same way and are more focused on set pieces, I won’t be surprised if they win 3-2.”
As predicted, the second half saw two goals from Alejandro Garnacho drastically transform the mood before Rasmus Hojlund netted the winner.
The Dane, a £72million summer signing, had to wait until his 15th Premier League appearance for his first league goal.
The landmark victory was celebrated wildly at the final whistle, with United rising to sixth in the Premier League table and Aston Villa staying third and missing the chance to move level on points with table-toppers Liverpool.
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While Evra appeared to be the only person suggesting United would claim the unlikely victory at half-time, in his press conference Ten Hag argued that there had been signs of the comeback that was to follow even during the first half.
The Dutchman said: "In the first half we played solid. A bit sloppy to give two goals from set plays.
"We changed slightly the pressing but already in the first half we created chances.
"We said to keep going, and believe in ourselves, that is what I demand from the team. I said during half-time to keep believing and you will win this game.
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"Today, I think over 90 minutes on the right side [Garnacho] was an absolute threat. The whole front line was good, the timings so good, it was a continuous threat for the opponent."
Topics: Patrice Evra, Manchester United, Aston Villa
Chris Byfield