Manchester United and Aston Villa played to a goalless draw at Villa Park, a match that added to the mounting pressure on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, as his team encountered its worst start to a Premier League season.
The game was largely uneventful, with both teams appearing fatigued from their midweek fixtures and failing to create significant scoring opportunities. Bruno Fernandes came close to scoring with a free kick that hit the crossbar, while Aston Villa’s Jaden Philogene had a late chance but was unable to capitalize. This result leaves Manchester United languishing in 14th place, having won only two of their first seven matches—their worst start since the Premier League was restructured.
Despite the team’s struggles, there were a few bright spots for Ten Hag, particularly in defense where Jonny Evans performed admirably. However, the club’s leadership is likely considering a managerial change, as evident from the presence of high-profile figures such as Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford at the game.
At the post-match briefing, Ten Hag expressed confidence in his relationship with the club’s hierarchy, stating that they are aligned on their long-term project and emphasizing the need for continuous improvement. Jonny Evans echoed his manager’s sentiments, acknowledging that while the team did not play perfectly, they secured a valuable point against a strong opponent.
The first half saw little excitement, with both sides struggling to find rhythm. Defensive errors and missed opportunities characterized the match, leading to a disappointing outing for fans. As the game concluded with no goals scored, questions loom over Ten Hag’s position as the international break approaches, with the club needing to evaluate its direction moving forward.