Man United legend has last laugh as 'bold' half-time prediction comes true

But they later hailed the club legend as a prophet after his claim came true, as supporters witnessed a Christmas miracle at Old Trafford.

Few Man United fans would have anticipated a comeback after watching their team go 2-0 down to Unai Emery's resurgent Villa side inside 30 minutes of action.

Supporters at home would have been forgiven for turning off the TV and drowning their sorrows in leftover turkey and cranberry sauce.

But the ever-positive Evra was adamant the game was not over and insisted Erik ten Hag's side had actually played well, which caused a few raised eyebrows within the United fanbase online.

The Frenchman said Man United were creating chances but were just wasteful in attack, while conceding two goals from sloppy defending at set-pieces.

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And those raised eyebrows turned to all-out ridicule when he tipped the Red Devils to come back from two goals down to win at a time when they looked down and out.

"I definitely understand the frustration," said the former United defender.

"They had a good first 45 minutes, but the reality is they're 2-0 down and it's happened too many times, too often.

"But, if United play the same way and just be more focused on the set-pieces, I wouldn't be surprised if United can overcome it and win this game 3-2."

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That was quite a claim considering United had gone four straight games without finding the net, and some fans were doubtful, to say the least.

"Man United have already lost the match," one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Post-match press conference: Erik ten Hag (Premier League: Manchester United 3-2 Aston Villa)

"Not scored in seven hours but he thinks we will score three in the next 45 minutes [crying laughing emoji]," said another.

"You're dreaming! Not with these players," wrote a third United fan.

One fan said, "I want whatever Patrice is smoking please", while another posted: "Has Evra been licking raw chicken again?"

But Evra had the last laugh, with fans calling him a 'prophet' and a 'wizard' and later apologising for not having the same faith, as Ten Hag's side did exactly what he said they would - they came back to win the game 3-2.

A double from Alejandro Garnacho cancelled out John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker's early strikes, before Rasmus Hojlund stepped up to fire in a 82nd minute winner to complete the comeback.

Not a bad time to score your first ever Premier League goal.

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Speaking to Ten Hag after the game for Amazon Prime, Evra told the Dutchman: "I was the only crazy man to say if Man United play with the same determination we will score three goals and win this game."

Looks like he and the United boss - who was the target of 'sacked in the morning chants' from Villa fans earlier in the game - had the last laugh.