Manchester United’s dismal start to the Premier League campaign continued as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, leaving them with a mere eight points from six fixtures and languishing in 14th place.
Erik ten Hag’s team selection raised eyebrows, with first-choice centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez benched in favour of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans. The changes yielded United’s first clean sheet in four matches, but their attacking woes persisted.
Bruno Fernandes came closest to breaking the deadlock, striking the crossbar from a 25-yard free-kick. Aston Villa’s Jaden Philogene was denied by Diogo Dalot’s block in added time.
United’s struggles were evident, with Marcus Rashford’s early effort and Fernandes’s free-kick being the only notable chances. Villa’s Morgan Rogers was lively, but failed to capitalise on his opportunities.
The draw marked Villa’s first goalless outing in eight matches across all competitions. Unai Emery’s side remain unbeaten in five league games and sit just one spot off the top four on goal difference.
Ten Hag’s Manchester United have made their worst start to a Premier League season. With Jim Ratcliffe and the United hierarchy watching, pressure mounts on the Dutch manager to turn their fortunes around.
Jonny Evans won the game’s player of the match. Evans’s surprise inclusion proved crucial, as the 36-year-old made vital challenges and interceptions to secure United’s clean sheet against Villa’s in-form attackers.
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