The Swedish national team captain had not played at all this season due to a toe injury. But at Villa Park, it was time to make his season debut.
In the second half, he replaced Noussair Mazraoui and came on as right-back.
This in a match that remained goalless, and where Lindelöf, after a late tackle, received a yellow card.
The closest to a winning goal came when United captain Bruno Fernandes curled a free kick into the crossbar. Aston Villa brought in their super-sub Jhon Durán, who decided against Bayern München in the Champions League earlier in the week, but not with the same luck this time.
The big question is what this result means for United coach Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman is under pressure after a very weak start to the season, and there has been much speculation about his future in the club. In attendance at the arena in Birmingham were the new minority owner Jim Ratcliffe and the new sports leadership.
After seven rounds, ten Hag's United have taken eight points – ten fewer than rival Liverpool, who lead the league.
After Sunday's matches, the Premier League takes an international break. For Victor Nilsson Lindelöf's Sweden, Slovakia (October 11) and Estonia (October 14) await in the Nations League. There, he will be joined by Anthony Elanga, who simultaneously on Sunday became a substitute in Nottingham Forest's 1–1 away match against Chelsea.
