Manchester United put on a more compact display to draw 0-0 with Aston Villa this afternoon, with neither side threatening the goal much at Villa Park. The hard-fought stalemate may buy Erik ten Hag more time, but it leaves United winless in five games in all competitions and 14th in the Premier League.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of the visitors’ sporting hierarchy were in attendance to watch Ten Hag’s players show some fight before the October international break.
Express Sport runs through the United player ratings after some stars impressed while others failed to shine.
Man Utd player ratings vs Aston Villa
Andre Onana – 6
Rarely tested by Villa, but really poor on the ball. Just five of 16 attempted long balls came off.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Strong in defensive duels and offered an outlet going forward. Replaced by Victor Lindelof at half-time. Probably “rotational” reasons.
Harry Maguire – 6
Won both of his aerial duels and is a compatible match with Jonny Evans. Latest injury at the end of the first half is a cruel blow.
Jonny Evans – 9
Man of the Match. Ageing like a fine wine. Turns 37 in January and looks like United’s best centre-back. A commanding display involved 11 of 12 duels won, five clearances, four tackles, three ball recoveries and 86 per cent of his passes completed.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Quiet going forward but locked down his flank. Saved a certain goal at the death by blocking Jaden Philogene-Bidace’s effort.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Back from his one-game injury absence and added some quality to United’s midfield. Four out of five long balls found a team-mate, and no player completed more take-ons.
Christian Eriksen – 6
Got the nod over Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte and contributed to the visitors’ compact set-up. A characteristic 91 per cent pass accuracy.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4
Selected over Amad but largely ineffective on the right. Struggled to beat his man. Wasted a glorious opportunity to play Bruno Fernandes in on the break in stoppage time.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Didn’t get sent off at Villa Park, which is progress, but still persists with aimless flicks that very rarely come off. Went closest to scoring, rattling the crossbar with a delightful free-kick.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Wasn’t afraid to shoot and fired a few dangerous efforts towards Emi Martinez’s goal but was part of a fairly toothless attack.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4
Couldn’t get into the game at all on his first Premier League start of the season. The victim of a lack of service but didn’t do enough when he got a hold of the ball.
Substitutes
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Fortunate to get away with his latest careless miskick that offered Philogene-Bidace’s chance to win it.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Made his first appearance of the season at right-back after replacing Noussair Mazraoui at half-time.
Antony – 4
Never looked like he’d make an impact.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Touched the ball seven times in half an hour.
Casemiro – N/A
A late introduction.
