Man Utd v Aston Villa
Play By Play
A chaotic eight-goal thriller ends all square at Old Trafford, as Manchester United's long wait for a Premier League win goes on. Despite scoring twice early in both halves, Aston Villa twice throw a two-goal lead away and ultimately have to settle for an incredible 4-4 draw. Dorgu's stoppage-time header completed United's second comeback, soon after Zirkzee had reduced their deficit to 4-2, and somehow the hosts salvage an improbable point. In the first half, Villa went two up inside four minutes, as Alysson and Jackson both struck, but Kamara's error then let United back into the match; he clumsily upended Cunha and conceded a penalty that Bruno Fernandes fired in. The hosts then pulled level through ex-Villa man Tielemans, but they crumbled again straight after the break. Dalot fouled Alysson, allowing McGinn to drive home an emphatic spot-kick, just minutes before Goretzka steered in from close range. All hope seemed lost for the home fans, and many decided to depart, but Zirkzee's goal sparked the latest miraculous revival at Manchester's 'Theatre of Dreams'. The final xG saw United finish with 3.55 from some 26 attempts - compared to Villa's 2.88 - though both coaches will be lamenting their team's dreadful defence. Despite that late surge, Manchester United go into the international break stuck inside the relegation zone, while Aston Villa inch into the top half. That's all from Old Trafford - what a way for the Premier League to sign off for its hard-earned break. Please join us again next time!
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 4-4 ASTON VILLA
Seeking a last-gasp winner, United fly forward again. Bruno Fernandes elects to play in Dalot on the left rather than letting fly from 25 yards, and the latter shanks his attempt well wide.
Booked for dissent, Suzuki's claims that he was pushed by Lammens - of all people - are rejected by the referee.
Adding yet another Premier League assist to his record, Bruno Fernandes sends over the corner-kick that Dorgu heads home to rescue a late point.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! MAN UTD SNATCH A LATE LEVELLER! It's 4-4 at a jubilant Old Trafford! With Lammens and everyone else wearing red packed inside Villa's box, Dorgu leaps up to meet a Bruno Fernandes corner-kick and heads powerfully past Suzuki! What a finish - what a game!
Lacey beats Maatsen again, then delivers a dangerous cross towards the back post. Somehow, Harwood-Bellis manages to get an outstretched boot on the ball, preventing Zirkzee from poking it home. It'll be a corner-kick for the home side.
United are desperately seeking a late leveller. After Cunha topples over hopefully and unsuccessfully appeals for a penalty, Mount half-volleys wildly over the crossbar from the brink of the box.
After hitting the left byline, Dorgu picks out Zirkzee in the centre of the area.
GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!! UNITED CUT THEIR DEFICIT TO ONE GOAL! It's now just 4-3 to Aston Villa! Zirkzee converts from close range with a neat first-time finish, after being set up by his fellow sub Dorgu. The Danish winger delivered an inviting cross, which his team-mate gratefully tucked away!
There will be at least six added minutes at the end of this game, so the home fans will not give up just yet.
OFF THE BAR! Mount strikes the woodwork! Meeting a Bruno Fernandes cross from the left, the substitute's first-time volley is expertly swept towards the target, but it clips the top of the crossbar! If that had sneaked in, there could've been a grandstand finale.
Barkley tries to extend Villa's lead with a pot-shot from outside the box, but his attempt is sent too close to Lammens, who easily saves it.
After notching his sixth Premier League goal of the season, Jackson completes another satisfying shift. Teenage striker Madjo will replace him up front.
Typically, Emery continues to urge his side on from the touchline, as the finish line looms into sight. As things stand, Aston Villa are set to end a three-match winless streak and head into the break on a high.
Making his final change, Carrick replaces Mbeumo with Zirkzee for the closing stages.
Before this match, Manchester United had only lost two of their 31 Premier League home games against Aston Villa (W24 D5). Following 1-0 defeats in both 2009-10 and 2021-22, can they somehow avoid defeat today? Unfortunately for the home fans, they look resigned to their fate.
After celebrating his first Premier League goal early in this second half, Goretzka is also replaced. Mbaye is sent on.
Emery sends on two more substitutes. First, Swiss star Manzambi is replaced by the more conservative Joao Gomes.
Aston Villa successfully defend consecutive corners, then Mbeumo receives possession from Lacey and slips as he shoots well wide of the left-hand post from around 20 yards.
Mazraoui feeds Lacey on the right wing, but after threatening to jink inside Maatsen and shoot, the young sub has to settle for a corner.
Following a delay for Manzambi to receive treatment, after he had been sent sprawling by Yoro, the action resumes. Unless Man Utd can produce three goals without reply, they'll spend the upcoming international break inside the Premier League's drop zone.
It took just three minutes and 40 seconds in the first half for Manchester United to concede two goals, and it only took seven minutes and 15 seconds into the second half to ship another two. As a result, no side across Europe's top five leagues have conceded more this season in all competitions (30).
Barkley will add more experience in midfield, replacing opening goalscorer Alysson.
With the finish line in sight, Aston Villa introduce some fresh legs. First, captain and penalty scorer McGinn is replaced by young winger Hemmings.
