Manchester United head into the international break in the Premier League relegation zone, but with some hope and pride restored after scoring twice in stoppage time to rescue a chaotic 4-4 home draw with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Brighton and Hove Albion had earlier risen to second in the Premier League standings with a 2-0 home win over Brentford, but it was another Old Trafford rollercoaster that became the weekend’s main talking point.

Under-pressure manager Michael Carrick, whose standing amongst the United faithful remains high despite a calamitous season so far, earned a boost in midweek as his side hit back from two goals down to beat AS Roma 3-2 in the Champions League.

Another rescue act looked beyond his team, though, as Villa, who scored twice inside the opening five minutes through Alysson and Nicolas Jackson before a Bruno Fernandes penalty and an equaliser from Youri Tielemans, reasserted their dominance.

United crumbled early in the second half with Diogo Dalot conceding a needless spot kick for a foul on Alysson and John McGinn firing home the 48th-minute penalty.

Leon Goretzka then restored Villa’s two-goal lead five minutes later with a tap-in after sloppy United defending.

But whatever the ills that have befallen the 20-time English champions, there is no denying their fighting spirit.

Joshua Zirkzee gave United late hope by slotting home in stoppage time before substitute Patrick Dorgu headed in after Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki flapped at a corner — sparking delirium amongst the home fans.

The unlikely draw left United in 18th place with a mere eight points from 10 games, above Sunderland only on goal difference after the Black Cats claimed a first league win since August by beating Chelsea 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

“I thought we were the better team,” said Carrick. “We played some very good football and got back into the game.

“Two goals again put us on the back foot. In the end, we could have even won it,” added the United boss, who went through every imaginable emotion on the touchline.

“We never gave up and never stopped believing.”

At Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace slumped to the bottom after a 3-1 home defeat by Liverpool, who moved up to fourth.

Brighton’s lofty position

Fabian Huerzeler’s Brighton are continuing to provide ample evidence to suggest their lofty position is not a false one and, while they were helped by Igor Thiago’s red card midway through the first half, they beat Brentford at a canter.

The 33-year-old German has led the club to their best-ever start to a top-flight season, and they head into the international break on 22 points, with Arsenal on 27 after their 1-0 win at home to Hull City on Saturday.

Brighton went ahead in the 15th minute when Diego Gomez, scorer of a wonder goal against Palace a few weeks ago, seized on a clearance at the edge of the area and struck a superb left-foot shot on the turn into the top corner.

Brentford striker Thiago then got involved in a tussle with Chema Andres, and after a VAR check, the Brazilian was sent off.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 42nd minute when Pascal Gross dispatched a penalty high into the net after Keane Lewis-Potter had held Luka Vuskovic.

Despite the wave of euphoria on the south coast, Gross was quick to play down Brighton’s title prospects.

“No. We are not in a title race. But we have started the season really well. It’s the beginning of the season,” the German 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.”

Liverpool bounce back

Liverpool bounced back from last week’s defeat at home by Arsenal with Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak all on target.

Eddie Nketiah scored a stoppage-time consolation penalty for Palace, but the pressure is mounting on their French manager Pierre Sage and will only intensify with Palace rock bottom for the first time in almost nine years.

“Today my job is not the most important thing. The most important thing is to find an efficient solution for the team and club,” Sage said.

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will be breathing a little easier, though, after his side upset Chelsea.

Enzo Le Fee struck the only goal from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after Chelsea defender Levi Colwill was adjudged to have pulled Brian Brobbey to the ground.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth’s fourth successive league win moved them up to seventh, with Evanilson scoring for the fifth Premier League game in succession in a 2-1 victory at Ipswich Town.