In the Premier League, it was a scoreless match between Aston Villa and Manchester United. The result’s implications for United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, remain uncertain. However, it likely saved him from potential humiliation if United had been defeated. Senior executives at United, including Jim Ratcliffe, Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox, were present and will likely consider Ten Hag’s position during the international break. Bruno Fernandes came close to scoring with an impressive free-kick, and while United’s overall play wasn’t shameful, it marks their fifth game without a victory since their win against Barnsley.
The United team trained at Boavista following Harry Maguire’s last-minute involvement against Porto, before heading to Birmingham for a bleak Sunday match. Kobbie Mainoo was amongst those participating in the Friday training session, specifically designed for players who did not start in the draw match. Mainoo was back in the starting line-up as one of four adjustments made following the 3-3 tie with Porto in the Europa League, where Harry Maguire scored in the final moment after United were previously 2-0 ahead.
Ten Hag made some daring decisions, particularly in defence, by substituting Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans for Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez. Gary Neville humorously responded to the team selection implying that he and his brother, Phil, could also have been positioned at full back. Maguire was only able to play until half-time due to a suspected muscle injury in stoppage time that necessitated medical support to help him off the pitch.
In the match, Victor Lindelöf replaced Noussair Mazraoui and Martínez took up Maguire’s position on the field. At first, Ten Hag’s United team selection appeared somewhat bewildering; Villa’s attacking capability and swift counterattacks were well-known. Early in the game, Morgan Rogers proved to be a threat, particularly when Christian Eriksen earned himself a booking within the opening two and a half minutes, setting a foreboding tone for the match.
Not long after, Rogers found himself in prime position behind Mainoo and Eriksen, firing a shot that hit the hoardings yet bounced off just wide of André Onana’s net, leading to momentary celebration by some Villa fans mistaking it for a goal.
Jonny Evans, an unexpected permanent addition last year after an emergency signing, wasn’t anticipated to be a still active Centre half for United. Nonetheless, he held his ground impressively, earning respect from United’s travelling support as he successfully tackled Rogers and later put a stop to Ross Barkley.
Evans was also noteworthy in averting a potential goal when Rogers, capitalising once again on gaps in United’s defence, provided an assist to Ollie Watkins. Later on, Onana executed a commendable save against an unguarded Youri Tielemans after United lost focus on a corner kick.
The game’s first attempt came from Marcus Rashford, who took the ball from Matty Cash midway and initiated an attack from the left. His powerful shot was deflected by Villa’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez. The Villa keeper showcased similar skills after half-time, stopping a direct play from Rashford.
In the middle of the second half, Fernandes, back in play after his red card against Tottenham was overturned, managed to outwit Martínez but his free-kick rebounded off the crossbar. Antony, who had only clocked a single league minute prior to joining the fray, missed an opportunity during the scramble that ensued.
Ten Hag reclined languidly in his seat, mirroring the movements of Unai Emery when Diogo Dalot thwarted Jaden Philogene from securing Ian Maatsen’s cross towards the end of the pitch. The match extended into extra time as referee Rob Jones experienced technical difficulties with his headset equipment. Speculations continue to circulate about the remaining longevity of Ten Hag’s tenure at United. – Guardian