The return of captain John McGinn to the visitors' starting XI was clearly welcome news for boss Unai Emery, although it was not entirely clear what role the Scot would play in the pre-planned tactic of sending long balls downfield for Ollie Watkins to chase.
It was an idea that might have had some merit if Watkins had got involved in foot races with Harry Maguire.
As it was Leny Yoro had more than enough pace to neutralise the England striker and Villa did not get forward in enough numbers to provide support.
Watkins' one shooting chance before the break was also shut down by Yoro who came sliding across to tackle.
It was symptomatic of the muddle Villa have got themselves into in recent weeks.
So too the moment at the end, where three visiting players had an opportunity to score around the six-yard area and somehow failed, even though United only had one defender and goalkeeper Senne Lammens in their way.
Emery can point to injuries – and the weight of games – as mitigation for their faltering form.
But after losing out on a Champions League place thanks to a final-day defeat at Old Trafford last season, there has to be a fear that, despite the failing of others, they could miss out again this term.
