Bruno Fernandes sent Manchester United into the League Cup last 16 as the Portugal midfielder punished a howler from Aston Villa keeper Robin Olsen in Thursday’s 4-2 win.

Erik ten Hag’s side were in danger of losing to Villa for the second time in a week after trailing twice in the third round tie at Old Trafford.

Beaten 3-1 by Villa in the Premier League last weekend, United fell behind to Ollie Watkins’ second half opener.

Anthony Martial equalised but Diogo Dalot’s own goal restored Villa’s lead in their second match under new boss Unai Emery.

Marcus Rashford hit United’s second equaliser and Fernandes put them ahead after Olsen’s woeful pass went astray before Scott McTominay wrapped up the victory in stoppage-time.

Ten Hag had said he wanted a “reaction” after branding United’s limp loss at Villa Park as “not acceptable”.

The United manager got his wish, but not before a scare from Emery’s team, who have played with more verve since the Spaniard arrived from Villarreal to replace the sacked Steven Gerrard.

The League Cup remains United’s last domestic trophy triumph in 2017 and Ten Hag would relish the chance to end that drought later this year.

He will have to wait until after the World Cup for United’s next League Cup tie, with the last 16 scheduled for just days after the final in Qatar.

Cristiano Ronaldo, suffering from illness, was absent from the United squad, so Martial started up front for just the second time this season following a series of injuries.

Martin Dubravka was making his United debut and the former Newcastle keeper was almost embarrassed as Douglas Luiz’s inswinging corner arrowed towards the near post, where McTominay headed off the line to spare the Slovak’s blushes.

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