Kyle Walker enjoyed the perfect start to his Villa career to help ease the pressure on manager Gerard Houllier.

The 20-year-old defender, signed on loan from Tottenham, could hardly have written the script better himself as he scored a brilliant goal nine minutes into his debut against Sheffield United, the club he supported as a boy and where he began his career.

Marc Albrighton made it 2-0 before the break and Villa were able to withstand a second-half fightback by the Blades, for whom Jamie Ward scored from the spot, before Stiliyan Petrov - after Ashley Young's dismissal - secured their place in the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Houllier, who had included Robert Pires in his starting line-up despite his fellow Frenchman's critical comments this week, would have been encouraged as Villa made a blistering start at Bramall Lane.

Micky Adams' side looked intimidated and their feeble start was summed up perfectly when Walker strode through to give the visitors the lead.

The right-back slipped away from one challenge just inside the United half and advanced into space before side-stepping Rob Kozluk and slotting home past Steve Simonsen.

It was a tremendous goal but Walker kept his celebrations muted against his old club.

The home side had shown little in response but should have taken advantage when Richard Dunne's weak header allowed in Ward but Brad Friedel spread his big frame to block.

Ched Evans, the Blades' former Manchester City striker, sent a header wide from Leon Britton's free-kick but the tie seemed as good as over when Albrighton volleyed home for Villa in the 33rd minute.

Young made the goal with a trademark burst down the left and lovely dinked cross to the far post that left Albrighton with an open goal to crash in his volley.