Manchester United halted their recent defensive translucence in a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa this afternoon, extending the club’s winless run to five games. Erik ten Hag’s side are stuck in 14th in the Premier League but may have shown enough at Villa Park to convince Ineos to retain faith in the Dutchman.
Bruno Fernandes went closest with a second-half free-kick, striking the crossbar, but neither side truly threatened to find the net.
Express Sport looks at United’s winners and losers from a rather lethargic affair in the West Midlands.
Man Utd winners vs Aston Villa
Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag’s side didn’t exactly look inspired, and similar attacking issues remain. Five goals in seven league games aren’t near good enough, but it isn’t a surprise based on how out of idea his forwards looked again.
That said, it wasn’t the reign-ending defeat many expected. Ineos have been given less reason to part ways with Ten Hag in the coming days.
Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans’ inclusion in the starting line-up dominated the build-up, but he once again didn’t let United down as has become customary since his surprise return last year.
The 36-year-old brought much-needed experience and leadership to the visitors’ defence and wouldn’t deserve the same scepticism if he keeps his place after the international break.
Andre Onana
Andre Onana’s passing continues to be inconsistent and doesn’t benefit United’s attacking deficiencies. However, he has improved this season, and another clean sheet will be welcomed.
The Red Devils goalkeeper has now kept four clean sheets in seven Premier League games this term, more than any of his counterparts.
Man Utd losers vs Aston Villa
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire was worthy of his starting spot after rescuing Ten Hag from another defeat at Porto on Thursday, and he performed well alongside Evans at the heart of the defence.
But the 31-year-old looks set for another spell on the sidelines after pulling up at the end of the first half. He had to be helped off the pitch and down the tunnel by two United staff members.
Lisandro Martinez
It was damning enough that Lisandro Martinez was dropped for Maguire and Evans. But Ten Hag’s decision to snub his £57million signing in the game spoke even higher volumes.
Matthijs de Ligt replaced the injured Maguire at half-time while Victor Lindelof, yet to make an appearance this term, was chosen to come on for Noussair Mazraoui.
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho is currently involved in a battle for a starting berth with Amad on the right. He was selected at Villa Park but made no use of his opportunity.
A woeful pass that would’ve sent Bruno Fernandes through on goal during a stoppage-time break summed his performance up. It summed the whole game up, in truth.
