Manchester United holds Aston Villa in dramatic comeback

Manchester United staged a dramatic late comeback to rescue a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa in an entertaining Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Sunday, but remain in the relegation zone.

Aston Villa made a flying start, with Alysson opening the scoring in the first minute before Nicolas Jackson doubled their advantage three minutes later. 

United responded through Bruno Fernandes, who converted a penalty in the 16th minute, before Joshua Zirkzee’s side leveled through a 44th-minute strike from Youri Tielemans.

Villa regained the lead shortly after the restart when John McGinn converted a penalty in the 48th minute, before Leon Goretzka extended the visitors’ advantage five minutes later to make it 4-2.

Manchester United struggled to find a response for much of the second half, with Aston Villa looking set for a memorable victory at Old Trafford. 

However, the hosts refused to give up as Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back in the 92nd minute following a delivery from Patrick Dorgu.

Dorgu then completed United’s remarkable comeback in the 96th minute, heading home from a corner to make it 4-4 and spark celebrations among the home supporters. 

United even had an opportunity to snatch a winner in the closing moments, but failed to convert their final chance, something that Michael Carrick considers a wasted opportunity and disappointment.

“Disappointed not to win the game. We were the better team for large parts. Made it difficult for ourselves with the goals we’re giving away. Not just one but two in succession to put us in a difficult position. We did it the other night, did it again today, came back into the game and then could’ve won it at the end.” Carrick said.

The result leaves Manchester United in the bottom three, extending their difficult start to the 2026-27 campaign, while Aston Villa will rue surrendering a two-goal advantage in the closing stages. 

The draw also means United’s only Premier League victory this season remains their August success against Ipswich.