At Aston Villa, Manchester United fought for a 0-0 draw that might have given manager Erik ten Hag, who is under fire, more time to turn things around.With their humiliation at home by Tottenham, all eyes were on the Dutchman at Villa Park, and the problematic Europa League draw in Porto on Thursday heightened speculation about his future at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag (left) and Unai Emery (right) watched their sides struggle to create chances (Mike Egerton/PA)
When asked about Ten Hag’s status prior to United’s trip to Villa Park, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe avoided answering the question. United managed to draw a point against Unai Emery’s strong hosts.Despite the fact that the Red Devils have only won two of their first seven Premier League games, Sunday’s performance seemed to relieve some of the pressure that had been mounting before the international break.Having played in energy-draining European matches, both teams actually underperformed; Villa was nothing like the team that defeated Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.As United attempted to win in stoppage time, Bruno Fernandes sent a second-half free-kick over the crossbar; however, Diogo Dalot made a crucial block on Jaden Philogene’s attempt.
Ten Hag made four changes from the draw with Porto, the most notable of which being the striking defensive substitution of Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire for Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.The United manager attributed it to “rotation,” just as he had done when he had pulled star player Marcus Rashford from the game against Thursday.The 26-year-old had a strong start in the midlands, burst forward after winning the ball at the halfway line, dribbling past his opponent and forcing Emiliano Martinez into a save with a powerful effort.
Villa soon had a chance of their own, with Morgan Rogers finding space under pressure from the impressive Evans and shooting into the side-netting, which several thousand fans mistook for a goal.Emery was forced to make a defensive change in the 12th minute, with Diego Carlos replacing Ezri Konsa, but the home side appeared unaffected as an even start continued.Philogene missed a 25-yard shot after leaving Kobbie Mainoo for dead, and Maguire’s penalty appeals for a handball by Rogers were turned down after a brief VAR check.
The boisterous supporters of United played every song in the book as their team had a spell of dominance over a reticent or possibly weary Villa, even though they were unable to find the winning goal.Near the half, Alejandro Garnacho saved a shot, and two United employees had to assist Maguire off the pitch.
The centre back was hurt shortly before halftime and did not return, leaving him with a torn sock and a noticeable limp. Additionally, Noussair Mazraoui did not enter as De Ligt and Victor Lindelof did.When play resumed, Rashford’s 20-yard drive was tipped over, but Villa appeared much more dangerous now.Following a corner kick by Matty Cash that was not on target, a cross was cleared, and Youri Tielemans was set free to shoot from 25 yards out, which Andre Onana did a good job of stopping.To the excitement of the Villa Park supporters, Wednesday’s hero Jhon Duran was soon introduced beside Ollie Watkins, who had approached from a challenging angle.Around this time, United also made some changes, like pulling Rashford, who had luckily caught Leon Bailey two minutes after Cash had been booked for a foul.
The team led by Ten Hag made a lineup change and attempted to make a breakthrough in the 68th minute. Martinez was beat by Fernandes’ 24-yard free kick, which struck the crossbar. Antony, the substitute, hammered the rebound wide.The Brazil winger witnessed Martinez hold an impressive left-footed curler, and Villa had very little to offer in response.But after a long wait while referee Robert Jones had his communication equipment fixed, they came very close to winning.Rogers curled a low cross towards the back post, where Philogene managed to get a shot off that Dalot thankfully parried.