Ashley Young infuriated Aston Villa fans back at his old club by helping Manchester United equalise and then staying down injured as Gabriel Agbonlahor saw red.
Villa took the lead in a thrilling tussle when star striker, Christian Benteke, curled in a brilliant goal into the top corner.
But the Belgian’s stunning 18th-minute opener on his left foot was against the run of play and United hit back strongly as they dominated possession.
Louis van Gaal’s charges levelled through Radamel Falcao in the 53rd minute as he headed in Young’s cross from the left after the winger skinned Matt Lowton.
Young’s every touch was being jeered anyway because he quit Villa for United in July 2011 after refusing to pen a new deal at Villa.
But he angered the home fans further in the 65th minute when Agbonlahor caught him in a late challenge after Young won the ball.
It looked no worse than a booking though but Young stayed down injured in apparent pain and referee Lee Mason immediately brandished a red.
Villa will surely appeal as replays showed the decision to be very harsh and Young was soon fine to continue.
But at least the controversy did not cost Villa the game as keeper Brad Guzan made several good saves and prevented United from a seventh successive win.
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