Emery defends tunnel exit as Villa lose two-goal advantage at United

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery explained that he thought play was over when he walked toward the tunnel before the final whistle in his team's 4-4 draw at Manchester United. Villa had held a two-goal advantage in minute 90 before conceding twice in added time.

Emery told Sky Sports that United's equalizer arrived in minute 96, with six minutes having been added. He shook hands with United manager Michael Carrick before heading away from the touchline.

Villa were two goals clear after four minutes, only for United to draw level. Two further Villa goals after the interval restored the visitors' advantage, but they were unable to protect it.

Emery said Villa had missed an opportunity to win. He expressed frustration at the late goals and said the team needed better defending and more effective attacking when in control.

Villa sit 10th in the Premier League heading into the November international break. Their victory over Manchester City has been followed by games against Bournemouth, Fulham, Barcelona and United without a win.