Rooney revival crucial to Reds

Aston Villa 2, Manchester United 2
Manchester United hope the return of Wayne Rooney will inspire them to recapture the winning formula – particularly away from Old Trafford.

Rooney is set to resume training after flying back to England following a trip to America.

The England striker has recovered from the ankle injury which has sidelined him for a month and he is likely to be in contention for next weekend's home clash with Wigan.

But it is away from Old Trafford where United hope Rooney can provide the extra spark needed to turn a series of frustrating draws into wins.

United showed typical fighting qualities in recovering from a two–goal deficit to draw 2–2 at Aston Villa after being outplayed for the majority of the second half.

It maintained their unbeaten record in the Premier League but it was the sixth time in seven away games they had shared the spoils this season.

United needed goals from substitute Federico Macheda and skipper Nemanja Vidic to rescue a point after Ashley Young (penalty) and Marc Albrighton had put Villa in control.

Macheda netted with a powerful shot from 18 yards, while Vidic headed home a cross at the far post.

It was an impressive performance by Gerard Houllier's side given that nine senior players were absent through illness or injury.