Manchester United 2 Aston Villa 1, Henrik Larsson scores on debut

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Henrik Larsson scored on his Manchester United debut as Sir Alex Ferguson´s side defeated Aston Villa 2-1 in a dramatic FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford. The former Celtic and Barcelona forward launched his 10 week loan stint from Helsingborgs in style to the delight of more than 70,000 fans as he fired United into a 55th minute lead.

But Milan Baros thought he had earned Villa a replay with a 75th minute equaliser before substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer netted a stoppage time winner.

Though a veteran of 19 FA Cup campaigns, Ferguson believes the lure of becoming the first team to lift the trophy at the new Wembley has injected a fresh incentive into this season's competition.

In the past he has used the third round as an excuse to field fringe players but judging by the names on his teamsheet, he is clearly taking this season's competition seriously.

The only significant change was between the posts as Ferguson, chasing his sixth FA Cup, rested Dutch keeper Edwin van der Sar which paved the way for Tomasz Kuszczak to make his fourth start since arriving on loan from West Bromwich Albion while Paul Scholes was also missing.

Other than that all the big guns were present with Wayne Rooney partnering new boy Larsson from the start.

With Villa arriving at Old Trafford without a win in 10 games and having failed to defeat United in 17 previous attempts, a run stretching eight years, there was never much doubt about the outcome.

The only question on the lips of every United supporters was whether Ferguson would start with Larsson, thus making the Swede the oldest striker the United manager has ever used.

Looking sleek and slender, 35 going on 25, Larsson's name was greeted with thunderous applause from another full house as his name was read out over the speakers.

There was a danger that Larsson has been so hyped it could cloud Old Trafford in anti-climax if he did not come up with the goods, but there was never any danger of that.

Despite his age he was the liveliest player on the pitch in the opening exchanges. It was Larsson who forced Gabour Kiraly into his first serious save in the 16th minute, an effort which the Villa keeper dealt with comfortably.

United's new No 17 also had a goal-bound header saved before setting up a 21st minute chance for Wayne Rooney after a clever flick which the England striker failed to grasp.

But United did not have things all their own way. Villa captain Gareth Barry, who boasts nine goals this season, reminded Old Trafford that the visitors had not turned up just to make up the numbers with a 20-yard free-kick which landed on the roof of the net.

United should have booked their place in the fourth round long before half-time. Kiraly produced the save of the tie to deny Rooney from an accute angle after the England striker had turned Gary Cahill.

Rooney has now gone six games without scoring and he looked out of sorts when presented with another chance by Larsson in the 36th minute. With only Kiraly to beat, Rooney delayed his effort allowing Dutch defender Wilfred Bouma to make a last-ditch tackle.

Then came Larsson's best chance to mark his debut with a goal. A delicious pass by Michael Carrick carved open the Villa defence but Larsson had his head in his hands as Kiraly's outstretched leg prevented his effort from finding the net.

But the industrious marksman was not to be denied. A neat 55th move involving Carrick, Ronaldo and Rooney resulted in Larsson rifling home from 16-yards to send Old Trafford wild.

United went close to making it 2-0 from Ryan Giggs' free-kick but the Welshman was denied by the woodwork.

Czech Republic ace Baros equalised after Gary Cahill's effort was blocked but just as Villa were settling for a replay, Solskjaer netted the winner from the edge of the box.