That is the opinion of Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher, who was commentating on the game for Sky Sports.
Rashford was given a yellow card in the 59th minute when he clipped the heels of Matty Cash to stop a Villa counter-attack. Two minutes later, the United forward gave away another foul for a challenge on Leon Bailey.
The home crowd were incensed with loud boos ringing around Villa Park, but referee Robert Jones decided not to brandish a second yellow card and send Rashford off.
United boss Erik ten Hag knew how close his forward came to being given his marching orders, quickly substituting him for Antony.
And Carragher claimed United were lucky to finish the game with 11 men, saying: "If Rashford hadn't already got a yellow card, that is a yellow.
"It should have been a red card and Manchester United should be down to ten men."
After the game Ten Hag was asked if he replaced Rashford because he was worried about him being sent off.
"Yes that was one of the reasons to take him off," Ten Hag said. "If it was another foul probably he would be sent off. We can't take another risk."
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