Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has rejected suggestions that his team is embroiled in a relegation battle, insisting that the club can still recover from its difficult position in the Premier League.

Carrick spoke after United fought back twice to secure a dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, with late goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu rescuing a point.

Villa took an early two-goal lead through Alysson and Nicolas Jackson, who scored within the opening five minutes of the encounter.

United responded through Bruno Fernandes, who converted a penalty, before Youri Tielemans equalised against his former club to make it 2-2 before half-time.

However, John McGinn restored Villa's advantage shortly after the restart, while Leon Goretzka extended the visitors' lead in the 53rd minute.

United refused to give up, with Zirkzee and Dorgu scoring late to complete the comeback and prevent another defeat.

The result left Manchester United in 18th position after 10 league matches, extending their winless run in the Premier League to eight games. It also marked the club's lowest league position at this stage of a campaign since 1986.

Asked whether United were now involved in a relegation fight, Carrick said there was sufficient time to improve their position.

"We're in November. I don't like this situation or the results, but we can definitely do something about it," he said.

The former United midfielder acknowledged the team's disappointing form but maintained that the players had shown positive qualities during the encounter.

He said the side needed to address its mistakes and convert improved performances into victories as the season progressed.

United's struggles have intensified scrutiny of Carrick's position, particularly after the team dropped into the relegation zone ahead of the international break.

The manager, however, remains confident that the club can reverse its fortunes, with United expected to resume their campaign against Liverpool on November 22.