Manchester United are fighting for a 4:4 draw against Aston Villa, Carrick provided a lifeline

Manchester United gave their fans despair and ecstasy in equal measure on Sunday 8th November at Old Trafford. Some fans left the stadium in the dying moments of the match, having to return to see their side come back from two goals down to secure a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa.

The result, which came in midweek after United’s sensational Champions League victory over AS Roma, eased some of the pressure on manager Michael Carrick, whose substitutions worked a treat on Sunday. Villa regretted their luck at the end of the day as manager Unai Emery remains winless at Old Trafford.

Villa were 2-0 up in the first four minutes when Alysson put the ball in front after a set-piece with a shot just past Senne Lammens. The United keeper was again at fault when he failed to clear Alysson’s shot and it fell to Nicholas Jackson who buried it into the net.

United fans looked stunned by what was unfolding in front of them and their team clawed their way back into the contest. Matheus Cunha, who was the hero against Roma, was brought down in the penalty box by Kamara and Bruno Fernandes slotted home in the 16th minute to make it 2-1.

United continued to be aggressive at both ends and Zion Suzuki was called upon to make some spectacular saves to maintain his side’s lead.

However, in the 44th minute, Youri Tielmans came back to haunt his former side to level the score and make it 2-2.

FALL TOGETHER AND RISE AGAIN

One of United’s main problems this season has been their defence, which has been weakened by the injury of Harry Maguire. With the arrival of Ayden Heaven, Villa sensed a chance to create chaos in United’s ranks and that’s exactly what happened.

Diogo Dalot, who was at the center of criticism for his performances, struggled to handle Alysson throughout the game and made a costly mistake when he conceded a penalty.

John McGinn tripped in the 48th minute to bury the chance and give Villa the lead again as the familiar sinking feeling returned to United fans.

Just five minutes later, a free-kick from McGinn caused chaos inside the box as Leny Yoro shot off the post and fell to Leon Goretzka, who scored his first goal for Villa.

From there, United seemed to run out of steam and ideas as Carrick decided to roll the dice with his substitutes. First, he brought on Patrick Dorg and Mason Mount for Dalot and Tielmans, which brought some spark to the United side.

Shea Lacey and Joshua Zirkzee soon followed as United continued to push. But it looked as though they were heading for another loss as the stoppage time clock rose to read six minutes.

Dorgu made a nice run to the left side and his pass went perfectly to the feet of Zirkzee, who reduced the deficit to 3-4. Lacey continued to be a threat and in the fifth minute of stoppage time he forced Villa to concede a corner that sent Lammens into the box.

Suzuki fired from a clearance and got into traffic as the ball fell kindly to Dorgu who guided it into the net to make it 4-4. United even had a chance at the end, but Mount’s pass found its way to no one.

The result meant United are still in the relegation zone in 18th place with just one win from their first 10 games.

– The end