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How Kobbie Mainoo’s ‘vacuum’ role powered Man Utd’s staggering last-gasp comeback in 4-4 thriller with Aston Villa

MANCHESTER UNITED staged a sensational stoppage time comeback to snatch a share of the spoils against Aston Villa. Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu both came off the bench to score late on as the Red Devils salvaged a thrilling 4-4…

By Dean Scoggins · The Sun

Published: Monday, 9 November 2026 at 8:27 PM

Key Things to Know

Dean Scoggins argues Kobbie Mainoo's dominant midfield display drove Manchester United's 4-4 comeback against Aston Villa.
The match finished as a thrilling 4-4 draw following late stoppage-time goals from Patrick Dorgu and Joshua Zirkzee.
Mainoo led all players in total touches, completed passes, duels won, and possession won.

The Story in 60 Seconds

SunSport tactical expert Dean Scoggins analyzed how Kobbie Mainoo's central role enabled Manchester United to secure a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. Scoggins praised Mainoo for serving as an effective "vacuum" behind the attack, leading the match with 87 touches, completed passes, and duels won as Michael Carrick's side salvaged a stoppage-time point through late goals from substitutes Patrick Dorgu and Joshua Zirkzee.

While Scoggins commended Mainoo, Dorgu, and Zirkzee for executing Carrick's tactical plan, he criticized Diogo Dalot's defensive errors at left-back. The tactical review highlighted Dalot's mistakes during Villa's opening goal and a conceded penalty, with Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans also scoring for United alongside Villa strikes from Alysson, Nicolas Jackson, John McGinn, and Leon Goretzka.

Read the full article on The Sun