Nachrichten

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag showed renewed defensive solidity, but it came at the cost of the attack being blunted, as they drew 0-0 vs Aston Villa.

It was widely expected to be a hot start for Villa but United’s secure defensive structure prevented that from happening.

The game became a scrap with precious few chances, as Rashford’s tester at Martinez was the only notable moment from Ten Hag’s men.

Villa weren’t much better as Evans, in particular, stood tall to repel the few attacks they could muster. The game was 0-0 at half-time with the hope for more flair in the second.

That wasn’t coming as the game settled into that pattern again of being a scrap in the midfield with few if any, clear-cut chances for either team.

0-0 was the likeliest result as the game kept going and that is exactly what happened.

Here’s how the players rated-

Calm game after a while as Villa were neutered successfully, especially in the first half. Repelled a Tielemans sighter in the second.

Nice return to form after a nightmare in midweek. The team structure being more secure helped too. Cae off at half-time as fans wait nervously on an update.

Defended aggressively on the front foot and shackled Rogers and Watkins expertly. The right-sided centre-back place was becoming his to lose but looks to have injured himself.

Ended multiple Villa attacks single-handedly through smart tackles and interceptions. Rolled back the years as he was the best player on the pitch.

Less inverting, more security, and that helped Dalot regain some defensive composure. Arguably saved United a point with a goal-saving block in injury time.

Was neutralised early on in defence after getting booked. Navigated that tricky path successfully afterward as Villa targeted him.

Booked like Eriksen but showed a bit more quality on the ball, either through passing or carrying, than his midfield counterpart.

Doesn’t look as good on the right as he does on the left since it takes away his biggest strength- cutting inside on his stronger foot. The effort was there as always.

Ten Hag keeps talking about rotation but he’s the player who needs it the most. Passes are not coming off, frustration is palpable, and his audacious free-kick hitting the bar sums up his luck at the moment.

Tested Martinez with a stinging drive early on and continued to threaten throughout. Has rediscovered his mojo but was perhaps lucky to not get sent off in the second half after two lazy fouls.

Found it hard to get the ball stick as he got dragged into a physical battle against the centre-backs. Didn’t win many duels and looked like the crowd was getting on his nerves at times. A learning experience.

Substitutes

Half-time sub for an injured Maguire. Did well after a chastening night vs Porto before he gave more criticism material in injury time by missing a straightforward cross.

Calm return to action in a game that was going nowhere from an attacking sense. A couple of interceptions helped United.

The lack of goals has started affecting his confidence. Even the regular link-up excellence was missing here as he looked on a different wavelength to his teammates. Needs a reboot.

Anonymous appearance off the bench outside of one sighter after cutting inside. Not many expected much either.

Came on late as Ten Hag sought to protect his one point.

Manager

Seems incapable of coaching attack and defence at the same time. Sacrificed goalscoring threat for defensive security here as his job state seemed fragile. It worked out with a secure defensive display but not many will be declaring a return to form for this side. Questions remain.

Related Topics