Loan watch: Barcelona midfielder makes debut with a goal and assist against Man United

Philippe Coutinho has started life at Aston Villa with a bang.

After having struggled in the first half of the season at Camp Nou, the Brazilian secured a loan move to Villa Park earlier this month. The 29-year-old made his debut earlier today against Manchester United when he came on as a substitute for Morgan Sanson in the second half.

The Villans were trailing by two goals when the Brazilian came on. But soon after his arrival, Coutinho helped change the complexion of the game. The Brazilian played a lovely one-two with Carney Chukwuemeka at the edge of the box before laying the ball off for Jacob Ramsey to bury home and make it 2-1.

Minutes later, the Barcelona loanee found the back of the net with a tap-in from close range to send the Holte End into a frenzy and bring Aston Villa back on level terms, helping them salvage a point from a difficult position.

The Villa fans had been excited by the loan acquisition of Coutinho despite his struggles at Camp Nou in recent seasons. And, safe to say, he has made the ideal start to his second stint in England, championing a stirring comeback for Steven Gerrard’s side against United, endearing himself to the supporters.