Manchester United scored twice in stoppage time to rescue a thrilling 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, giving under pressure manager Michael Carrick a much needed lifeline.
Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu struck in the closing minutes as United fought back from 4-2 down to avoid another painful Premier League defeat.
The result offered some relief, but United remain in the relegation zone. They have now gone eight league matches without a win.
Carrick entered the match with serious doubts over his future. United had lost to Chelsea in their previous league outing, although a 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday had briefly lifted spirits.
But United made a terrible start against Villa. Alysson gave the visitors the lead inside the opening minute when his shot slipped under goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Nicolas Jackson doubled Villa’s advantage just three minutes later. Lammens failed to deal with an effort and Jackson reacted quickly to score from the rebound.
United responded in the 16th minute when Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty after Boubacar Kamara fouled Matheus Cunha.
The hosts continued to push forward and found an equaliser just before the break. Former Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans scored in the 44th minute to make it 2-2.
Villa regained control soon after the restart. John McGinn scored from the penalty spot in the 48th minute after Diogo Dalot brought down Alysson inside the box.
Five minutes later, Leon Goretzka added Villa’s fourth goal. Leny Yoro headed the ball against his own crossbar before Goretzka reacted quickly to finish from close range.
With United trailing 4-2, another defeat looked certain. The hosts struggled to find a way back for much of the second half, but they refused to give up.
Zirkzee finally gave United hope when he scored in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to one goal.
Then came the dramatic equaliser. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki failed to clear the ball properly, allowing Dorgu to head home in the final seconds and complete United’s remarkable comeback.
The late goal brought huge celebrations at Old Trafford, although it could not hide another poor defensive display from Carrick’s side.
“Making it hard for ourselves. The goals are coming from individual mistakes. We need to tighten up,” Carrick said.
“But I thought we were the better team. If we get one, then anything can happen. We never gave up and never stopped believing.”
United have managed only three wins from their first 15 Premier League matches this season.
Despite avoiding defeat, Carrick remains under pressure as the club struggles near the bottom of the table.
United will return to Premier League action after the international break when they face Liverpool.
