Manchester United scored twice in stoppage time to recover from a two-goal deficit and draw 4-4 with Aston Villa in a remarkable Premier League contest at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Aston Villa made the perfect start, taking the lead after only a minute when Alisson Edward found the net with a shot from inside the penalty area. Manchester United goalkeeper City Lamens was unable to keep it out.
The visitors doubled their advantage three minutes later. Nicholas Jackson capitalised on another error by the Belgian goalkeeper to leave United 2-0 down inside the opening four minutes, stunning the home supporters.
United responded through Bruno Fernandes in the 16th minute. The captain converted from the penalty spot after Matheus Cunha was brought down inside the area, giving the hosts renewed belief.
The comeback was completed before half-time. Youri Tielemans equalised in the 44th minute, ensuring the sides went into the break level at 2-2.
Villa had taken control early but then surrendered the initiative, allowing United to dominate possession and create a series of chances. However, goalkeeper Suzuki produced several important saves to keep Villa level despite sustained pressure from the home side.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Villa again striking quickly. John McGinn restored the visitors’ lead from the penalty spot in the 48th minute after a foul by Diogo Dalot.
Five minutes later, Leon Goretzka made it 4-2. United defender Leny Yoro attempted to clear the ball with a header, but instead sent it against his own crossbar. The rebound fell kindly to the Germany international, who finished from close range.
This time United struggled to reproduce the attacking momentum they had shown before the interval and appeared to lose control of the match.
The hosts, though, revived their challenge in the closing stages. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee reduced the deficit in the second minute of added time, turning Patrick Dorgu’s low cross into the net with a first-time finish.
United then pushed forward in search of an extraordinary equaliser. Dorgu found it in the sixth minute of stoppage time, heading in from Fernandes’ corner to complete a two-goal comeback in the final minutes.
The result recalled United’s dramatic Champions League meeting with Roma on Tuesday, when they overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. Matheus Cunha scored twice and Fernandes added the other goal as frustration among the supporters turned into late celebrations.
Before kick-off, United fans staged further protests against the club’s management. A banner read: “We do not want a new stadium, we want new management,” while green and yellow balloons were released. The colours are associated with the club’s original colours at the time of its foundation. Similar protests took place during the Roma match.
The draw leaves Manchester United with eight points in 18th place. They have won only once in the Premier League this season, against Ipswich Town in the second round.
Aston Villa move to 13 points and sit 10th in the table.
