Manchester United dug deep to grab a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday, as Erik ten Hag’s side showed real resilience after a tough week.
United are still winless in their last five games in all competitions, but a much-improved defensive performance at an in-form Villa will move them in the right direction. Bruno Fernandes almost gave them all three points but his free kick smashed the crossbar late on.
Unai Emery’s Villa looked a little tired after their huge Champions League win against Bayern Munich in midweek, but they’re still unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and both Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins went close.
With the draw Villa move on to 14 points, while United have eight points.
Improved defensive display a platform for United
United are the second-lowest goalscorers in the Premier League this season with five goals scored through seven games, so they’re going to have to be good at the back to pick up wins. Erik ten Hag made a statement with Evans and Maguire starting at center back, then the latter come off with an injury at half time, along with Mazraoui, and De Ligt and Lindelof came on. United’s entire defensive unit stood tall against a fired up and lively Villa attack and this draw will give them confidence moving forward. It is a baby step in the right direction. United have to stay in games and not capitulate to take the next step and after letting in three goals in each of their last two games over the last seven days, this shutout was a big step in the right direction. With their entire hierarchy watching on, they will be just fine with a draw away at Villa and United have a run of games in late October and early November where they have to put together a string of wins. Then, and only then, can we take them as serious top four contenders this season.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com you can see Martinez and Onana both had wonderful performances in goal. Tielemans and Fernandes were also excellent in midfield.
What’s next?
Villa head to Fulham on Saturday, October 19, while United host Brentford on the same day.
How to watch Aston Villa vs Manchester United live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 9 am ET Sunday (Oct. 6)
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
TV Channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
Aston Villa vs Manchester United final score: 0-0
Aston Villa vs Manchester United live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Dalot blocks Philogene’s effort
United with some great defending as Dalot blocks Philogene’s effort at the near post. United then have a chance on the counter but make the wrong decision.
Bruno Fernandes hits the bar with a brilliant free kick
What a free kick that is. Bruno Fernandes sends a beautiful dipping free kick up and over the wall and it hits the bar. Antony then volleys the rebound into the ground and wide.
Duran is on...
Jhon Duran comes on for Aston Villa and huge roars arrive from the home fans at Villa Park. Can the super sub do it again? Duran has scored four Premier League goals in six games this season. All of them have come after jumping off the bench.
Tielemans denied by Onana; Watkins fires over
A short corner finds Tielemans on the edge of the box and his powerful curler is pushed wide by Andre Onana. Moments later Watkins drills a shot just over, which Onana looked to have got a fingertip on. Villa are starting to create some momentum here.
Rashford denied by Martinez
Really good play from Rashford again as he cuts inside and unleashes a beauty of a shot which Martinez tips just over.
Two subs for United as Lindelof, De Ligt come on
Matthijs de Ligt is on for Harry Maguire, as the latter was struggling with a knock just before half time. Victor Lindelof is on at right back for Mazraoui. There will be even more chat about United’s defensive lineup after this game.
Half time: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United
A tight, tense first half as both teams had very few chances. There isn’t anything to choose between them. Rashford and Rogers have both gone close but both teams are content with scrapping away and neither have control of the game.
Very even game as United hierarchy looks on
The cameras pan to the Manchester United box and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford, Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada and Sir Alex Ferguson are all in attendance. That is basically all of United’s top dogs on-site at Villa Park. On the pitch, United are doing okay. They have gained a little bit of control in the game but Villa look pretty comfortable too. It’s so even.
Konsa is off injured
A lengthy delay as Ezri Konsa goes down holding his leg. He can’t continue and is really upset. This is a huge blow for Villa. Konsa is off and Carlos is on.
Chances at both ends early
Marcus Rashford cuts inside from the left and drives at goal but Martinez saves, then at the other end Rogers is found in the box but he drills a shot just wide. Very even start.
Aston Villa lineup
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Bailey, Barkley, Tielemans, Philogene; Rogers; Watkins
Manchester United lineup
Onana; Mazraoui, Evans, Maguire, Dalot; Mainoo, Eriksen; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Aston Villa focus, team news
OUT: Boubacar Kamara (knee), Tyrone Mings (knee), John McGinn (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Amadou Onana (hamstring), Jacob Ramsey (adductor), Leon Bailey (undisclosed)
Manchester United, team news
OUT: Tyrell Malacia (knee), Leny Yoro (foot) | QUESTIONABLE: Harry Maguire (other), Kobbie Mainoo (other), Mason Mount (head), Luke Shaw (calf).
Aston Villa vs Manchester United prediction
The extra day of recovery (without traveling back from Portugal) will be a real weapon for Villa, who find themselves in the thick of the Premier League-to-Champions spin cycle for the very first time. United are there to be had on the counter at any moment, and that’s what Villa do best. Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United.
