McGinn fumes as Aston Villa twice throw away two-goal lead in 4-4 draw at Man United

Aston Villa captain John McGinn has criticised his team's game management after they twice surrendered a two-goal lead in a chaotic 4-4 draw at Manchester United on Sunday. Unai Emery's side appeared on course for all three points at Old Trafford before conceding twice in stoppage time against their struggling hosts.

A bright start, then a costly collapse

Villa started at a furious pace. Goals from Alysson and Nicolas Jackson inside three minutes and 40 seconds were the earliest the hosts had trailed 2-0 in the Premier League. It was also the fastest two-goal away lead since Chelsea managed it after two minutes and 53 seconds at Everton in August 2014.

The lead did not last. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty for United, and former Villa team-mate Youri Tielemans equalised in the 44th minute. Villa then restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half. Diogo Dalot fouled Alysson, and McGinn scored from the spot in the 48th minute. Leon Goretzka added a third five minutes later.

McGinn: 'We have to manage these moments better'

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, McGinn said the team had failed to see out either half. He stressed that few sides would concede so easily after going 2-0 up away from home, and that Villa had to defend better in those positions and manage the final 10 minutes of each half more carefully.

McGinn also pointed to the squad's makeup. He said Villa had many inexperienced players but plenty of talent, which was why they scored goals, and that the team was always up against it whatever United's confidence was like.

Stoppage-time drama

Rather than cruising to victory, Villa were undone in added time. Substitute Patrick Dorgu set up Joshua Zirkzee to make it 4-3. Dorgu then rose highest to head in Fernandes' cross past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki for a dramatic equaliser.

McGinn described the late goals as a poor result for the team. He said the third goal was really poor and gave United encouragement, adding: "We lost two points. We threw it away. The last five minutes were just madness. It's going to sting."

He also said Emery would take the result hard, noting that the manager was a winner and would dwell on it over the two-week break.

Sunderland next

The Premier League is now pausing for the November international break. Emery will have a fortnight to address his side's late defensive weaknesses before Villa host Sunderland at Villa Park on Saturday, November 21. Taking maximum points there will be important if Villa are to keep their top-half ambitions on track after Sunday's late collapse.

Elsewhere, Michael Carrick's United, who are threatened with relegation, face a daunting trip to arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield 24 hours later.