Remember that unbelievable bicycle kick that Wayne Rooney scored in the Manchester derby a few years ago? Well, the United skipper tries to replicate that here. But instead of perfectly executing it like a Fifa computer game, Rooney cannot connect sweetly and the ball drifts out for a goal-kick.

Image source, AFP

But the home corner - United's fourth of the afternoon - comes to nothing. United dominant but still looking for that golden opening.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"That's a fantastic strike from Marcos Rojo, there was nothing on with Aston Villa camped in their own half, two banks of four. Brad Guzan makes a great save with his fingertips. Villa are giving the ball back to United so cheaply at the minute, Tim Sherwood will be frustrated."

United defender Marcos Rojo is not known for his goalscoring prowess - but the Argentine shows he can be more venomous than a poisonous snake. He moves forward with purpose from the back, before lashing a 35-yard strike which whizzes towards the Villa goal. Away keeper Brad Guzan has to be sharp enough to push over the bar.

You don't need telling about Marouane Fellaini's aerial threat. And the big Belgian climbs above the Villa defence to stick his head on a cross from the right. But it lacks power and Brad Guzan easily gathers. His bushy mop must have cushioned the ball...

Image source, EPA

Neat, perfectly-weighted ball forward from Ander Herrera looks for his Spanish compatriot Juan Mata in the right channel. But Villa defender Ciaran Clark, who is working harder than a vote-seeking politician at the moment, races across to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"We've already seen Aston Villa's threat on the counter attack, with waves of white shirts coming forward at speed once they've won the ball. Manchester United have started the better but Wayne Rooney doesn't look as sharp as he has been recently, maybe he's a bit leggy from the international fixtures."

United right-back Antonio Valencia sloppily gives away possession, allowing Fabian Delph to start slaloming his way through the home midfield. But Valencia attempts to atone for his error by swiping away the legs of the England midfielder. The Ecuadorian escapes a yellow card, instead getting a ticking off by referee Roger East.

Aston Villa stick their first mark in the 'shots on goal' column. Christian Benteke is the man responsible, but the Belgium striker's low shot from distance was speculative at best. Easily gathered by United stopper David de Gea.

Louis van Gaal is expressionless as he sits next to Ryan Giggs in the Manchester United dug-out. Both men must be pleased with their side's start though.

Villa fire a warning sign that they can offer a threat on the break. Pacy striker Gabby Agbonlahor leads the chase into the home half, but the move breaks down and United win back possession.

Juan Mata is full of confidence. The Manchester United man shows neater footwork than a Strictly Come Dancing contestant to hotstep his way into space inside the Villa box. But he can't pick out a team-mate with a cross from the left as some more desperate defending from Villa does the trick.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"What a fantastic run by Ashley Young down the left-hand side again, but Aston Villa scramble the ball away. Manchester United mean business today. They are playing with a great tempo."

Patient build up from United - then they go for the jugular. Ashley Young's teasing low cross from the left is desperately hacked clear, but only to the feet of Juan Mata. However, the little Spaniard cannot find a way past the Villa defence from 10 yards out. Big chance gone.

Gareth Soye: Another stonewall penalty not given to United. How many is that this season? Definitely double figures.

Steve Howes: Rooney diving again. This time he had his ear flicked and it forced his legs to give way...

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Image source, Reuters

Who am I to disagree with Chris Waddle? But I am going to. Anyway, decent response from Villa who string together a pair of attacks. But they can't test United keeper David de Gea as his defence do their job.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Old Trafford

"Wayne Rooney is going ballistic at the referee and rightly so. He was just about to pull the trigger and was pulled to the floor. For me it's a red card and a clear penalty."

Penalty? No. United skipper Wayne Rooney goes tumbling as he jostles with Ciaran Clark as the Manchester United man tries to latch on to a long ball. Referee Roger East is not impressed. And neither am I. Chris Waddle on the other hand...

The home side are enjoying most of the early possession, with ex-Villa winger Ashley Young dangerously cutting in from the left flank. A white Villa shirt blocks the ball as it travels towards the away goal though.

Versatile Manchester United player Daley Blind, who has settled into a left-back role recently, storms down the touchline and swings a ball into the Villa box. But Villa centre-half Ciaran Clark is there to head clear.