Manchester United were undone by their own mistakes in a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday. The Reds made it eight Premier League games without a win and head into the international break in 18th place.

Four United mistakes ultimately cost the Reds a much-needed win, but an inspired injury-time comeback gave them a bit of hope.

Patrick Dorgu's late equaliser on his return from injury marked his first goal for the Reds since the final game of last season, scoring the opening goal in a 3-0 win over Brighton.

Michael Carrick remains under substantial pressure, as form has dipped tremendously since last season. The international break will give the 44-year-old some respite, but the question remains: just how much longer can this form continue before the board decides enough is enough?

United's performances have been unacceptable this season, and it is unfair to single out any one player when the team is underperforming.

That said, right back Diogo Dalot's form needs addressing. After a disappointing showing in the Roma game, in which both of Roma's goals were conceded on Dalot's side, the Portuguese man was booed off on Sunday as he was replaced by Dorgu.

It can be argued that the fans treated Dalot too harshly, as he is naturally suited to the right-hand side but is being forced to fill in for a lack of depth at left-back; however, his woes seem to extend beyond positional capability, as the penalty he conceded proved.

Despite fan criticism, Carrick has been supportive of Dalot in the press, saying he likes his character and that he brings more to the team than he shows on the pitch.

Laurie Whitwell reported, "Diogo gives absolutely everything, played everywhere. He gives the penalty away, maybe he can do a bit better, but he cares an awful lot."

His position has come under significant scrutiny in recent games, with fans calling for him to be dropped from the starting eleven, but Carrick has remained ambiguous on this topic.

"I like what he brings to the team, the whole environment. Who plays the next game is whole different decision." Carrick continued.

Throughout the summer transfer window, fans were crying out for a left-back to bolster squad depth; the board instead spent the entire budget on three central midfielders.

The midfield depth was a much-needed improvement, as Casemiro left after his contract ended and Manuel Ugarte was out with injury, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the Reds' only recognised central midfielder.

Luke Shaw was listed as the squad's only natural left-back, with Dorgu providing support, while Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven stepped into fullback roles.

Lewis Hall was the main target, but United were ruled out of a move for him because of his extortionate price tag. The board then failed to move for both Rayan Ait-Nouri and David Raum on transfer deadline day.

This left United to call on Dalot and Mazaroui to cover both fullback positions, which has proved costly in recent games, as either of them plays in a less comfortable position on the left side.

This issue has been prevalent since Rúben Amorim took over in 2025. Tyrell Malacia's departure in this summer transfer window left United short at that position, and the board failed to reinvest.

INEOS must act in the January transfer window. United have a string of crucial games after the Christmas break, including the end of the Champions League group phase, where the Reds risk an early exit.