DietmarHamann had a sweetly struck half-volley saved immediately after the break but City sat back as they soaked up the pressure and tried to catch United out on the counter-attack.
It was also a sad farewell to the Twin Towers for Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman after his blunder gifted DietmarHamann an early goal that turned out to be Germany's winner.
The new Villa manager Houllier turned to the experienced Scot after being turned down by other former Liverpool stars Phil Thompson and DietmarHamann, as well as current Villa caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald.