In the best traditions of Fergie-time, substitute Millie Turner headed home the winning goal in the fourth minute of added time to help Manchester United stretch their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League to six points.
Mark Skinner had reckoned it was good to play ahead of title rivals – on the proviso United won. With Manchester City playing Leicester on Sunday and the Champions League semi-finalists, Chelsea and Arsenal, not in WSL action this weekend, this was United’s opportunity to put down their marker.
They may have played two more games than City – and three more than Chelsea, whom they lead by seven points – but the nature of this United comeback could yet power them to their first top-flight title.
Rachel Daly twice gave Villa the lead with superb finishes in the first half, against the hitherto meanest defence in the division, yet it was the shot she crashed against the crossbar at 2-1 early in the second half that may yet haunt the England left-back.