If you take out Manchester United's best summer signings, you get the same side as last season: It really is that simple. Unai Emery has returned to the Premier League, and for the most part on Thursday night, it felt like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had as well.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof started at the heart of the defence, and the often derided midfield pairing of Fred and Scott McTominay occupied the space ahead of them. That is a pretty apt description too, they didn't command the midfield, they simply existed for large parts of the game.
In the absence of defensive leader Lisandro Martinez, the backline lacked any bite, and there was also a noticeable lack of discipline as well. Ollie Watkins finished smartly for the opening goal of the game, but it was far too easy for Villa to carve open what was in front of them.
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Once again, it came down to the midfield. With summer signings Christian Eriksen and Casemiro starting the match on the bench, United lacked calmness, composure, and creativity, something that cost them at both ends of the pitch.
Scott McTominay is still a square peg in a round hole when it comes to playing as a defensive midfielder, and Fred looks lost when he is not anchored by a specialist behind him who can hide his flaws. They are both capable footballers in their own right, but often need guidance alongside them to shine their brightest.
It is only natural for any side to suffer a drop-off in performance levels when their best players are absent, but for United, this served as a warning sign for the rest of the season, such is their lack of suitable replacements who offer similar traits.
For the first hour of the match, United regressed to the side that relied on moments to beat a team last season; this time, a combination of poor defending and their own creativity from deep did the trick for Anthony Martial's goal.
Eriksen was introduced just after the hour mark, and suddenly the entire dynamic of the match changed. Almost immediately, United's composure and creativity were on display as they took charge of the midfield battle and began to stamp their authority on proceedings.
The Danish international's introduction brought a calming presence to the midfield, and rather than frantically rush to get back into the match, it almost felt like United were soothed by the belief that they knew they would.
It was also telling that Villa soon lost their shape completely. Against a makeshift midfield, they had been able to impose their own style of play, but as soon as United brought on their key creative talent, they were the ones having to rely on moments of magic to offer any attacking threat.
McTominay became a far greater presence when given the freedom that playing alongside Eriksen granted him, and when Casemiro entered the pitch in the final ten minutes, the game was all but determined in United's favour.
It was a night that acted as another ringing endorsement of Ten Hag's transfer strategy and the long-term vision he has for his side once his style of play has been properly implemented.
However, it was also a timely reminder of the further work that is required. United's best XI has gradually begun to take shape with their summer signings playing an integral role, and next year the focus has to be on improving those options in reserve.
For an hour, it looked like the old United, and for half an hour, there was a glimpse of a very exciting future.
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