For the second game in a row, Manchester United mounted a famous comeback in front of their home support at Old Trafford as they prevented Aston Villa from grabbing all three points, drawing 4-4 on Sunday evening.
Under-pressure United manager Michael Carrick saw his defensive line completely disintegrate early in both halves; Villa stunned the home crowd with a double-strike inside the first four minutes from Alysson and Nicolas Jackson, and repeated the trick after the interval when John McGinn and Leon Goretzka built a commanding 4-2 advantage.
The Red Devils first clawed their way back before halftime through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and a Youri Tielemans equaliser, but it was their desperate, late-stoppage-time heroics that provided the ultimate drama.
With thousands of disillusioned fans having already exited the stadium, substitute Joshua Zirkzee swept home a 92nd-minute lifeline before Patrick Dorgu rose to head home a dramatic 97th-minute equalizer following a critical error by Villa keeper Zion Suzuki.
While the stunning fightback sparked ecstatic celebrations among the remaining home faithful, the single point means Aston Villa missed a major opportunity to scale the table.
Manchester United remain mired in the Premier League relegation zone, still searching for their first domestic league win since August.
Striver.Football rates how the players performed during the clash:
Manchester United
Senne Lammens - 4
Should have done better for the Nicolas Jackson goal, as his reflex was not fast enough to stop the rebound by the Senegalese striker. Also looked shaky and unnecessarily nervy which contributed to the leakage of goals.
Nozair Mazraoui - 6
His ability to invert in possession as well as join the front four in attack was integral in helping Man United mount the comeback, capped off with an assist for Youri Tielemans.
Leny Yoro - 4
His inexperience continued to count against him, and it showed during the game, epitomised by the mix up in the build up to Villa’s fourth goal which he nearly put it into his own net.
Harry Maguire - 4
Looked unusually lost compared to recent weeks, and his experienced head failed to help out Yoro. Rightly hooked off at halftime.
Diogo Dalot - 3
Gave away the penalty for Alyson’s penalty and was a bit naive dangling into the path of the Brazilian winger.
Youri Tielemans - 6
Scored United’s second goal, but his lack of athleticism could not help him cover the gaps the Aston Villa midfield exploited.
Kobbie Mainoo - 5
Worked hard in efforts to try and bring his side back into the game but was not particularly outstanding.
Bruno Fernandes - 5
Although he was integral in helping the side restore parity at 2-2, was largely ineffective for large parts of the rest of the game. Whipped in the corner that directly led to Dorgu’s equaliser.
Amad Diallo - 6
Was integral in the build up to Youri Tielemans’ equaliser as he combined well with Nozzair Mazraoui down the right flank.
Mateus Cunha - 7
Produced some telling shots and progressed the ball forwards as he tried to make things happen. Won the penalty for the first goal by Man United. Was named official Premier League man of the match.
Bryan Mbeumo - 5
Tried to threaten the Villa defence with telling runs starting upfront, but was largely ineffective.
Man United Substitutes
Ayden Heaven - 5
Gave away a yellow card in the second half after coming on as flashes of his inexperience showed, but his pace helped United maintain a high line.
Patrick Dorgu - 8
Provided an assist off the bench for Josh Zirkzee and also scored the equalising goal for Man United .
Shea Lacey - 6
Whipped in some dangerous balls that threatened the Villa backline after coming on to a very warm reception by Man United fans.
Mason Mount - 6
Injected energy into the side when he came on which provided a base that allowed Man United to mount a comeback.
Josh Zirkzee - 7
Scored what looked like a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it rallied the side into grabbing a deserved late equaliser.
Aston Villa
Zion Suzuki - 4
Should have done better for both the Tielemans and Dorgu goals, but his distribution helped progress Villa further up the pitch.
Victor Lindelof - 6
Did okay trying to shut down Matheus Cunha on the left.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 5
Progressed the ball well from the back during Villa’s build up play from the back, and it even directly led to Alyson’s penalty, but he was still part of the backline that conceded four goals.
Pau Torres - 5
Dealt well with the threat of Bryan Mbeumo at centre forward, and helped progress the ball well from the back, but he was still part of the backline that conceded four goals.
Ian Maatsen - 6
Provided much needed width for Aston Villa down the left flank which allowed Johan Manzambi to drift infield and help overload the midfield.
Boubacar Kamara - 6
Was a bit scrappy and careless with his passing in bits, but grew into the game.
Leon Goretzka - 7
Made energetic runs through the midfield, and used his athleticism to great effect. Produced a brilliant pass to Alyson near the end of the first half. Scored Villa's fourth goal.
Johan Manzambi - 6
Helped contribute to the win, but was not as threatening in goal as he tends to be.
John McGin - 8
Scored a penalty and grabbed an assist himself to cap off a good evening for Aston Villa.
Alysson - 9
Scored a goal which played a huge role in helping Villa get the four goals at Old Trafford. Also won the penalty that led to Villa’s winning goal.
Nicholas Jackson - 9
Another goal and assist for Aston Villa to keep his good run of form going.
Aston Villa Substitutes
Ross Barkley - N/A
Came on but could not do enough to prevent Aston Villa from seeing out their 4-2 advantage.
Geroge Hemmings- N/A
Came on but could not do enough to prevent Aston Villa from seeing out their 4-2 advantage.
Ibrahim Mbaye - N/A
Came on but could not do enough to prevent Aston Villa from seeing out their 4-2 advantage.
Joao Gomez - N/A
Came on but could not do enough to prevent Aston Villa from seeing out their 4-2 advantage.
Brian Madjo - N/A
Came on but could not do enough to prevent Aston Villa from seeing out their 4-2 advantage.
