Manchester United mounted a dramatic late comeback to secure a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, despite conceding early goals at the start of both halves. The result leaves head coach Michael Carrick's position under renewed scrutiny.
United entered the match already in the relegation zone after Nottingham Forest's victory over Manchester City on Saturday evening. Their fortunes worsened within the opening minutes when Alysson slotted the ball through Senne Lammens' legs in under 60 seconds. Nicolas Jackson then doubled Villa's lead just two minutes later after Lammens palmed the ball into his path.
United fight back from early deficit
United responded from the penalty spot after Glen Kamara fouled Matheus Cunha, with Bruno Fernandes converting. Youri Tielemans then scored against his former club just before half-time to level the match.
However, United collapsed again after the break. Diogo Dalot conceded a needless penalty, which John McGinn converted, and Leon Goretzka tapped home after shoddy defending to restore Villa's two-goal advantage.
Late goals rescue a point
Joshua Zirkzee netted in the 92nd minute to spark a late rally, and Patrick Dorgu scored a last-gasp equaliser to salvage a point.
United have now conceded 30 goals in all competitions, the joint worst in Europe's top five leagues, and started the game in 19th place in the Premier League. Carrick's team have just one league win in 10 this season.
Carrick's future in doubt
Carrick's position appears increasingly precarious, with the team just one point above the bottom of the table. His staff, along with Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox in the stands, looked bewildered after Villa's early goals.
Villa, meanwhile, have improved under Unai Emery, who has overseen three wins and three draws in the league since a defeat at Nottingham Forest in mid-September. Emery's compensation fee is reportedly around £20 million.
