Villa director slams Dorgu equaliser in 4-4 draw

Four goals each marked a dramatic 4‑4 draw at Old Trafford, with Man United scoring twice in stoppage time to secure a point.

Aston Villa's Director of Football Operations criticised the decision to allow Manchester United's equaliser on Sunday after Zion Suzuki struggled with the corner deep into injury time.

Villa's early dominance and United's comeback

Villa surged 2‑0 ahead within five minutes through goals from Alysson and Nicolas Jackson before Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans levelled the score before the break.

In the second half the Red Devils responded as John McGinn converted a penalty and Leon Goretzka made it 4‑2 on 53 minutes.

Controversy and official reactions

After the 90th minute, substitutes Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu scored for United in injury time.

Dorgu's headed goal sparked controversy as Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki claimed he was impeded by United defender Senne Lammens during the corner.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane said he did not consider it a foul, describing football as a contact sport.

Senne Lammens faces media storm at Manchester United

A Premier League tweet echoed the view that football is a contact sport and asked whether Lammens had fouled Suzuki.

Observers noted that Lammens appeared to turn his back to Suzuki and nudge him without attempting to play the ball.

Former referee Damian Vidagany said officials had promised to be stricter on such incidents.

Villa's Director of Football Operations posted on X that referees had indicated pushing the goalkeeper in the six‑yard box would no longer be tolerated this season.

Vidagany added that Lammens did not look at the ball and made contact with his hip over Suzuki.

The director concluded the team played well but must improve the final six minutes, stressing that the rules must be respected.

Villa manager Unai Emery, whose 24‑year‑old goalkeeper arrived from Parma in the summer, said Suzuki is still adapting to Premier League officiating.

Emery told that the adaptation is necessary because the timing and tolerance for physical contact differ from other leagues, and that the incident would be deemed a foul elsewhere.