Manchester United score twice in stoppage time to draw 4-4 with Aston Villa

Manchester United rescued a remarkable 4-4 draw against Aston Villa with two stoppage-time goals at Old Trafford, but remain in the Premier League relegation zone going into the international break.

Joshua Zirkzee reduced the deficit before Patrick Dorgu headed in an equaliser after Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki failed to deal with a corner.

The result offered some relief and restored pride for Michael Carrick’s side, whose manager remains highly regarded by United supporters despite their calamitous start to the league season. Carrick had enjoyed a midweek boost when United recovered from two goals down to beat AS Roma 3-2 in the Champions League.

Villa had appeared set to complete another victory after twice scoring within the opening five minutes. United responded before half-time, with Bruno Fernandes converting a penalty and Youri Tielemans scoring an own goal.

The visitors regained control early in the second half when Diogo Dalot conceded a penalty for a foul on Alysson. John McGinn converted from the spot in the 48th minute, before Leon Goretzka restored Villa’s two-goal advantage five minutes later with a close-range finish following more poor defending.

United’s late recovery leaves them 18th on eight points, above Sunderland on goal difference. Sunderland claimed their first league victory since August with a 1-0 win over Chelsea.

Crystal Palace dropped to the bottom after losing 3-1 at home to Liverpool, who climbed to fourth. Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak scored for Liverpool, while Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time penalty proved only a consolation. Pressure is increasing on Palace manager Pierre Sage.

Brighton rise to second

Brighton moved up to second in the table after beating Brentford 2-0 at home, continuing their outstanding start under Fabian Huerzeler.

The 33-year-old German has guided Brighton to the club’s best-ever beginning to a top-flight season. They enter the international break with 22 points, while leaders Arsenal have 27 after Saturday’s 1-0 home victory over Hull City.

Brighton went ahead in the 15th minute when Diego Gomez controlled a clearance on the edge of the penalty area and sent a superb left-footed shot into the top corner. Gomez had scored a wonder goal against Crystal Palace a few weeks earlier.

Brentford striker Igor Thiago was sent off after a VAR review following a tussle with Chema Andres. Brighton then doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute, Pascal Gross placing a penalty high into the net after Keane Lewis-Potter pulled down Luka Vuskovic.

Gross dismissed suggestions Brighton are involved in the title race.

“No. We are not in a title race. But we have started the season really well. It’s the beginning of the season,” he said. “You see the Premier League, the margins, you look at the results — we are not getting carried away yet.

“Every game we have to suffer a lot. Sometimes it is momentum. But we are really pleased to head into the international break like this.”

Elsewhere, Enzo Le Fee scored Sunderland’s winner from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after Levi Colwill was judged to have pulled Brian Brobbey down.

Bournemouth climbed to seventh after Evanilson scored for a fifth consecutive Premier League game in a 2-1 win at Ipswich Town.