Manchester United v Aston Villa FC - Premier League 2026/27
Manchester United v Aston Villa FC - Premier League 2026/27 | Michael Regan/GettyImages
Manchester United's makeshift left-back and left winger Patrick Dorgu has been named player of the match following the club's chaotic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa.
United were defensively lax at the start of both halves, allowing Villa to establish a two-goal lead just moments after the whistle had blown to begin each period.
Alysson opened the scoring for Villa before the first minute had even elapsed, with Nicolas Jackson sending the visitors into dreamland by doubling their advantage in the third minute; the quickest United have ever gone 2-0 down in a Premier League fixture.
Michael Carrick's players fought back, with Bruno Fernandes drawing first blood from the penalty spot in the 16th minute before Youri Tielemans opened his United account, scoring against his former club just before half-time.
However, an all-too-familiar start to the second half saw United fall two goals behind once again, with John McGinn and Leon Goretzka capitalising on some lax and, at times, atrocious defending from United's inexperienced backline.
Dorgu was introduced alongside Mason Mount and Shea Lacey in the 65th minute. Having been out for seven games through injury, the Dane initially needed time to find his rhythm, but soon made his presence felt.
He assisted Joshua Zirkzee's goal to bring United back within one before, four minutes later, connecting with Fernandes' corner to head home the equaliser beyond the 96th minute.
The Old Trafford crowd—seriously depleted after the 70th minute—erupted into jubilation and pure ecstasy as Dorgu rescued a point. Questions have since been raised over whether this could be Carrick's Mark Robins moment.
The striker famously scored the goal that helped save Sir Alex Ferguson's job in 1990, easing some of the pressure on the Scotsman before he went on to become one of the greatest managers in football history.
Has Dorgu saved Carrick?
In reality, it is unlikely that this will pan out the same way it did for Ferguson, but there is no doubt that Carrick has been offered a lifeline by the Dane.
The parallels are interesting to draw from. Both managers started life strongly in Manchester—Ferguson coming second in his first full season, whilst Carrick pushed United to 3rd in the table—before both managers endured a poor run of form.
“Yeah, it was a very interesting, quirky game,” Patrick reflected after the match, being awarded the player of the match.
“We didn’t make it easy for ourselves, conceding so early in both halves. Obviously, it’s great to fight back, but we don’t want to always have to fight back.
“We need to try to score the first goal and get momentum from there.”
Manchester United’s winger then went on to talk about his winner, and how United need to improve in the coming weeks.
“Yeah, all glory to God, to be back helping the team,” he added.
“I’m really happy with my own performance. But we are a team, and we need to start winning games.
“Yeah, it was a good run and good positioning from Josh [for our third goal], so it was good.
“To be honest, I was just looking at the ball [for the winner]. I saw the goalkeeper trying to get to it, but, thankfully, it dropped to me and I headed it in.”
United will be next back in action in just under two weeks, as they take a trip down the M62 to face off against rivals Liverpool.
A win will be vital for Carrick’s chances to remain in the dugout, with a loss likely spelling the end of his tenure.