Aston Villa v Man Utd LIVE: Result and reaction after dreary draw keeps pressure on Erik ten Hag
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United: Neither side could break the stalemate as the visitors were condemned to their worst start to a Premier League season
Manchester United and Aston Villa shared a dull draw to keep the pressure on visiting manager Erik ten Hag as his side made their worst start to a Premier League season.
A soporific Sunday outing perhaps reflected the pair’s midweek exertions, with neither able to move through the gears or create consistent scoring chances. Bruno Fernandes struck the crossbar with a fine second half free kick and Jaden Philogene had a late glimpse for Aston Villa, but there was otherwise little to entertain the crowd.
It leavecs Manchester United down in 14th heading into the international break with just two wins from their first seven games, their worst start to a season since the English top flight’s revamp. There were a few encouraging signs for Ten Hag, particularly defensively where Jonny Evans excelled, but the club’s hierarchy have plenty to mull. Jim Ratcliffe, Dave Brailsford, Dan Ashworth and the rest watched on at Villa Park and will surely consider a change of manager during the international break.
Re-live all the action from Villa Park in our live blog below:
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 63 minutes
A roar from the home fans as Unai Emery throws on Jhon Duran for Leon Bailey. Can the super-sub strike again?
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 62 minutes
Now then! Another foul from Marcus Rashford as he is done like a kipper by Leon Bailey...no card! He’s got away with one there, his trip cynical and a little away from the ball. He escapes without a second yellow from referee Rob Jones.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 60 minutes
A retreating Marcus Rashford is booked for halting an Aston Villa counter-attack. The hosts try a Stricly Come Dancing routine before taking, though it is more Paul Merson than JB Gill, and comes to no avail.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester Untied, 59 minutes
Some signs of a threat from Villa in the last few minutes, with dangerous shots from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins from distance. United have a different kind of makeshift defence now after losing Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui at half-time. With two defenders down, it makes it still more important Jonny Evans can complete the game.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 57 minutes
Aston Villa build a bit of pressure, a couple of corners followed by a couple of chances as Ollie Watkins fires over the crossbar.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 53 minutes
Morgan Rogers has three supporting players ahead of him as he bursts beyond the Manchester United midfield after an error from Bruno Fernandes, but a couple of clumsy touches allow Jonny Evans to step in. Evans has impressed today, backing up his manager’s call to start him.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 51 minutes
A corner grants Aston Villa the opportunity to load the box, and a canny routine sets up Matty Cash for a shot from 18 yards. It’s closer to the corner flag than Andre Onana, though, drawing a scowl at the iPad from the club’s set-piece coach.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 49 minutes
Bright from Marcus Rashford, skipping inside two defenders and skimming the finger tips of Emiliano Martinez. It might not have dipped beneath the bar but that was travelling.
Alejandro Garnacho latches on to Christian Eriken’s corner, but makes a total hash of his attempted effort. Behind harmlessly for a goal kick.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 46 minutes
A big chance for young Jaden Philogene to get at a makeshift full-back in this second half. How long might Unai Emery leave it before turning to super-sub Jhon Duran?
Second half...
A first Premier League appearance since March for Victor Lindelof, on for Noussair Mazraoui as Ten Hag changes two of his back four. That must be enforced, you’d think.
Matthijs de Ligt goes into the heart of the defensive unit, with Lindelof on the right.
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