Manchester United twice came from two goals down to salvage a remarkable 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday and potentially save manager Michael Carrick’s job.
Goals in stoppage time from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu rescued a point, but United will spend a two-week international break in the relegation zone.
Carrick’s men conceded twice inside the opening four minutes as Alysson and Nicolas Jackson punished errors from goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The Red Devils rallied to level at half-time thanks to a Bruno Fernandes penalty and Youri Tielemans’s first goal since moving to Old Trafford from Villa.
A thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday gave Carrick a lifeline.
This time the comeback fell short as more woeful defending handed Villa two more goals inside the first eight minutes of the second period.
John McGinn converted from the spot after Diogo Dalot upended Alysson before Leon Goretzka bundled in from close range.
Yet, there was a final twist in the tale as Zirkzee steered home before Dorgu pounced when Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki failed to connect with a corner in the 96th minute.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa player ratings
Manchester United: Senne Lammens (3.0/10), Noussair Mazraoui (5.5/10), Leny Yoro (3.5/10), Harry Maguire (6.0/10), Diogo Dalot (1.0/10), Youri Tielemans (6.5/10), Kobbie Mainoo (5.0/10), Amad Diallodes (5.0/10), Bruno Fernandes (5.0/10). (6.0/10), Bryan Mbeumo (4.5/10), Matheus Cunha (6.0/10)
Subs: Ayden Heaven (4.5/10), Patrick Dorgu (8.0/10), Mason Mount (4.5/10), Shea Lacey (6.0/10), Joshua Zirkzee (7.0/10)
Aston Villa: Zion Suzuki (6.5/10), Matty Cash (6.0/10), Ezri Konsa (6.0/10), Pau Torres (5.5/10), Lucas Digne (6.0/10), Boubacar Kamara (6.5/10), Amadou Onana (6.5/10), John McGinn (7.0/10), Morgan Rogers (7.5/10), Alysson (8.0/10), Nicolas Jackson (8.5/10)
Subs: Senny Mayulu (6.5/10), Emiliano Buendía (6.0/10), Ross Barkley (6.0/10), Ian Maatsen (5.5/10)
(With inputs from AFP)
Published on Nov 09, 2026