2024-10-06 22:35:03
Manchester United and Aston Villa shared a dull draw to keep the pressure on visiting manager Erik ten Hag as his side made their worst start to a Premier League season.
A soporific Sunday outing perhaps reflected the pair’s midweek exertions, with neither able to move through the gears or create consistent scoring chances. Bruno Fernandes struck the crossbar with a fine second half free kick and Jaden Philogene had a late glimpse for Aston Villa, but there was otherwise little to entertain the crowd.
It leavecs Manchester United down in 14th heading into the international break with just two wins from their first seven games, their worst start to a season since the English top flight’s revamp. There were a few encouraging signs for Ten Hag, particularly defensively where Jonny Evans excelled, but the club’s hierarchy have plenty to mull. Jim Ratcliffe, Dave Brailsford, Dan Ashworth and the rest watched on at Villa Park and will surely consider a change of manager during the international break.
Re-live all the action from Villa Park in our live blog below:
Aston Villa vs Manchester United LIVE
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Aston Villa and Manchester United share stalemate
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FT: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United
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OFF THE WOODWORK! Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 68 minutes
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HT: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United
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KICK OFF!
Aston Villa FC 0 – 0 Manchester United FC
Erik ten Hag confident he retains ownership’s backing
16:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“We always speak. We speak every week,” Ten Hag says to Sky Sports when asked if he will speak to the club’s hierarchy post-match. “We are all on board, together, on one page. We know what we are working to, it is a long-term project. We have to keep improving.
“We proved in two very tough away games that this is a team. We showed our togetherness, our spirit, but also the belief and faith we have.”
Jonny Evans speaks to Sky Sports after Manchester United’s draw with Aston Villa
16:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“It wasn’t perfect. We didn’t pass the ball as well as we would have liked, but we got a point against a good side away from home. We wanted to be a bit more defensive-minded and make sure we didn’t concede to give ourselves a chance. We were looking for that one moment of a bit of quality, which we nearly got at the end. But fair play to Villa, they are a good team and played well today.
“They are good players, so you are never comfortable. Ollie Watkins is aggresive so you’ve got to be on your toes. We had to make things tight today, and we did that well. I still feel like I play a game I always have, and I still feel like I’ve got a bit of speed in my legs.
“I enjoy every moment I have on the pitch now. I have that buzz for every game, and I try to make the most of it. It is a privilege to play for this club, I’ve had a long affiliation with it. With the pressures that come with it, it’s a privilege too – the support the fans have given the team is great to see. It was great for [Erik ten Hag] to see that – the other night, you could see the emotion of letting that game slip away. You could see that everyone was running themselves into the ground, so I’m pleased for him that we could get that result today.”
FT: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United
16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A dull, soporific Sunday outing, with neither side ever looking particularly likely to break the deadlock. Manchester United have made their worst start to a Premier League season, taking just eight points from their first seven games – though there were improvements in their defensive discipline to give Erik ten Hag encouragement today.
Will it be enough to preserve his place on the Old Trafford touchline through the international break? These men have plenty to mull.
FULL TIME: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United
15:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 90 + 6 minutes
15:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jhon Duran gives away a free kick inside the Manchester United half, which Andre Onana launches long. Manchester United can’t make much of it as we tick beyond the allotted extra time.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 90 + 4 minutes
15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Now Manchester United waste an opportunity! Alejandro Garnacho is sprung as Aston Villa are caught with too many men ahead of the ball, but he can’t craft a pass beyond the final defender to Bruno Fernandes.
Ross Barkley is booked for a foul earlier in the movement.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 90 + 3 minutes
15:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
What a chance! Superb football from Aston Villa, showing fluency in possession really for the first time, and Matthijs de Ligt loses his footing to allow the ball to run across to Jaden Philogene. He seems certain to score but strikes his shot against the back of a turning Diogo Dalot, and away it flies for a corner.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 90 + 2 minutes
15:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Sarcastic cheers as Rob Jones returns to the pitch. Aston Villa do have that rather dangerous free kick to take, after the delay…but Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs de Ligt head away.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 90 minutes
15:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Even the batteries in the referee’s communications system are lacking in energy. Rob Jones wanders over to the touchline to get his technology seen to, a chap earnestly sprinting around to provide him with a spare. He could probably call the game at this stage, one would suggest somewhat uncharitably.
Six minutes are indicated up on the board, though we will play past that.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 86 minutes
15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A cross harmlessly carries into the arms of Emiliano Martinez. The goalkeeper boots long, with Victor Lindelof first bundling Jhon Duran in teh back and then felling Morgan Rogers after Aston Villa take the free kick quickly. He’s shown a yellow card.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 84 minutes
15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A change for both teams: Casemiro replaces Kobbie Mainoo; Ian Maatsen is on for Lucas Digne.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 83 minutes
15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle
How much did that win over Bayern Munich take out of Aston Villa? Even at this juncture, they just seem lacking in the precision and purpose that often characterises their performances. Still ten minutes or so to find something.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 80 minutes
15:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It comes to nothing as the prospect of total stalemate looms ever larger. Joshua Zirkzee’s terrible touch squanders a Manchester United counter-attack and prompts a roar of encouragement from the frustrated home fans, not used to seeing their team so lethargic.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 78 minutes
15:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Can either side manufacture a winner? Ollie Watkins pats the ball against the shins of Victor Lindelof to win a corner.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 74 minutes
15:35 , Richard Jolly at Villa Park
It was perhaps a shame for United that Rashford, their most dangerous attacker, probably had to be substituted when he had been booked and then could have been dismissed. Enter Antony, who had only played one minute in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Emi Martinez has carried on where he left off against Bayern with a superlative save from Fernandes.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 72 minutes
15:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another defensive injury issue, both back fours in the wars today – Diego Carlos appears to have tweaked a muscle, though with Ezri Konsa off after 11 minutes earlier, he may have to soldier on. The Brazilian gets back to his feet and seems content enough with the flexion in each of his legs – on he will go, for now at least.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 70 minutes
15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Wasteful from Morgan Rogers, summing up a pretty messy performance from him and his Aston Villa forward cohort. The winger gets to the byline but skews his “cross” into the patrons beyond Andre Onana’s goal.
OFF THE WOODWORK! Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 68 minutes
15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Off the crossbar! A beautiful free kick from Bruino Fernandes bends beyond the fingertips of Emiliano Martinez at full stretch, but it ricochets away with a doink off the woodwork.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 67 minutes
15:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Alejandro Garnacho takes a tumble under pressure from Matty Cash, who has a grasp of the winger’s shirt and thus can’t really complain when the whistle blows. It’s well within Bruno Fernandes’s range.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 64 minutes
15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Manchester United, having survived a free kick, make a double switch: Erik ten Hag knows Marcus Rashford won’t get another reprieve, while Rasmus Hojlund looks a little leggy. Antony and Joshua Zirkzee are on.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 63 minutes
15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A roar from the home fans as Unai Emery throws on Jhon Duran for Leon Bailey. Can the super-sub strike again?
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 62 minutes
15:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Now then! Another foul from Marcus Rashford as he is done like a kipper by Leon Bailey…no card! He’s got away with one there, his trip cynical and a little away from the ball. He escapes without a second yellow from referee Rob Jones.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 60 minutes
15:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A retreating Marcus Rashford is booked for halting an Aston Villa counter-attack. The hosts try a Stricly Come Dancing routine before taking, though it is more Paul Merson than JB Gill, and comes to no avail.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester Untied, 59 minutes
15:19 , Richard Jolly at Villa Park
Some signs of a threat from Villa in the last few minutes, with dangerous shots from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins from distance. United have a different kind of makeshift defence now after losing Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui at half-time. With two defenders down, it makes it still more important Jonny Evans can complete the game.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 57 minutes
15:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Aston Villa build a bit of pressure, a couple of corners followed by a couple of chances as Ollie Watkins fires over the crossbar.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 53 minutes
15:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Morgan Rogers has three supporting players ahead of him as he bursts beyond the Manchester United midfield after an error from Bruno Fernandes, but a couple of clumsy touches allow Jonny Evans to step in. Evans has impressed today, backing up his manager’s call to start him.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 51 minutes
15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A corner grants Aston Villa the opportunity to load the box, and a canny routine sets up Matty Cash for a shot from 18 yards. It’s closer to the corner flag than Andre Onana, though, drawing a scowl at the iPad from the club’s set-piece coach.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 49 minutes
15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Bright from Marcus Rashford, skipping inside two defenders and skimming the finger tips of Emiliano Martinez. It might not have dipped beneath the bar but that was travelling.
Alejandro Garnacho latches on to Christian Eriken’s corner, but makes a total hash of his attempted effort. Behind harmlessly for a goal kick.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 46 minutes
15:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A big chance for young Jaden Philogene to get at a makeshift full-back in this second half. How long might Unai Emery leave it before turning to super-sub Jhon Duran?
Second half…
15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A first Premier League appearance since March for Victor Lindelof, on for Noussair Mazraoui as Ten Hag changes two of his back four. That must be enforced, you’d think.
Matthijs de Ligt goes into the heart of the defensive unit, with Lindelof on the right.
HT: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United
15:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Hang on – it’s a double switch from Erik ten Hag, ever unpredictable. Victor Lindelof is also stripped and ready.
HT: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United
15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It was Matthis de Ligt being prepared to come on for Harry Maguire before half time, which feels instructive of how Erik ten Hag views his defensive pecking order. De Ligt hasn’t necessarily set the world alight since his summer arrival, though Ten Hag clearly has some degree of trust in his fellow Dutchman.
Aston Villa, remember, lost Ezri Konsa early on, with the hectic schedule perhaps taking its toll.
HT: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United
14:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Erik ten Hag marches down the tunnel with a bit of thinking to do, Harry Maguire having to be helped off behind him. It’s been better from Manchester United, though that isn’t necessarily saying much – the experienced centre-halves have lended greater stability defensively, but the visitors are yet to dazzle in an attacking sense.
Neither, really, are Aston Villa, in what has been a somewhat sleepy Sunday affair. No shots on target so far for the hosts.
HALF TIME: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United
14:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 45 + 3 minutes
14:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There won’t be time to make that change before the interval.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 45 + 2 minutes
14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jonny Evans’ gargoyle-like visage as he screams at the referee prompts a warning from Rob Jones, though the official keeps his cards in his pocket. I’m not quite sure what Evans was angry about, his foul pretty clear.
There’s concern for Manchester United’s other centre-half, too – Harry Maguire goes down as Manchester United deal with teh delivery having appeared to have tweaked something. He gropes at a calf as Matthijs de Ligt is hurriedly stripped off.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 45 minutes
14:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Into three additional minutes, stemming mainly from Ezri Konsa’s injury with little otherwise to trouble the timekeeper.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 44 minutes
14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Two set pieces in a row find the hands of Andre Onana, Youri Tielemans unable to show Lucas Digne how it is done. It’s all been a little low quality so far, the fatigue of each side’s midweek exertions perhaps showing.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 41 minutes
14:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A third booking for Manchester United, though this seems a trifle harsh on Kobbie Mainoo. The midfielder beats Youri Tielemans to the ball and the Belgian seems as much at fault for the collision that follows – but out comes the card regardless with Mainoo’s boot slightly raised.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 38 minutes
14:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
In theory it was a crossing opportunity, at least. Lucas Digne bends right into the breadbasket of Andre Onana.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 36 minutes
14:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A deep cross bounces away off the laces of Leon Bailey, who is unable to bend his foot around the ball.
Harry Maguire soon grants Aston Villa another crossing opportunity, though, as he raises an arm to block the path of Ollie Watkins. Into the book he goes.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 34 minutes
14:34 , Richard Jolly at Villa Park
So far, so good for United. A largely uneventful start has been notable for a couple of fine interceptions by Jonny Evans, who has brought more solidity so far than De Ligt and Martinez did against Porto. Marcus Rashford has looked a threat on the break, too, though the yellow card Christian Eriksen collected is a concern. He looks understandably reluctant to make a challenge now.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 33 minutes
14:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Nope. Two meek deliveries and away come Manchester United, with Youri Tielemans fouling Rasmus Hojlund.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 32 minutes
14:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Can that get Aston Villa going? Youri Tielemans’ shot is blocked behind to win a corner.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 31 minutes
14:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s all been a bit scrappy so far, Aston Villa short of their usual control, Manchester United looking very much like a side snatching at everything, knowing the likely stakes. Alejandro Garnacho both wins the ball and loses it inside the home box.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 29 minutes
14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A loose touch from Ross Barkley, arriving on the fringes of the box but unable to take a shooting opportunity due to a leaden toe.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 27 minutes
14:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Morgan Rogers scuttles past Christian Eriksen, who in the end does well not to foul the dynamic Aston Villa man after that earlier caution. Eriksen instead allows Jonny Evans to do the tackling, the Northern Irishman performing his duties with a forthright, firm slide.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 25 minutes
14:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Erik ten Hag has added a padded jacket to the matching gilet as he keeps warm, the Manchester United manager not feeling the heat. His side look much more settled today than in recent games, though Aston Villa haven’t maybe yet tried to move up through the gears.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 23 minutes
14:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Harry Maguire roars an appeal at the referee having headed against the hand of Morgan Rogers at the far post. It’s not a penalty – at all – as the video assistant soon confirms.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 20 minutes
14:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An untimely slip from Kobbie Mainoo allows Jaden Philogene the chance to skip merrily between the lines of the Manchester United banks of four. Philogene lets fly with a powerfully-struck drive, but the fade on his tee shot takes it off the fairway with Andre Onana untroubled.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 17 minutes
14:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Diego Carlos is into the action, bumping Rasmus Hojlund off the ball after the striker had initially got the run on the replacement centre-back. Good stuff from Carlos, though Hojlund perhaps looked slightly sluggish.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 15 minutes
14:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Christian Eriksen has an array of options to pick out on the edge of the Aston Villa box as he stands over a deep free kick, though the Dane, somewhat curiously, instead elects to play a square pass across to Noussair Mazraoui. By the time Eriksen does swing in a delivery after the ball is returned to him, the targets are no longer so abundant, and two Aston Villa players combine to clear.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 12 minutes
14:14 , Richard Jolly at Villa Park
A blow for Aston Villa as Ezri Konsa limps off. Just wonder if that might bring an immediate recall to the England squad for Harry Maguire, who was omitted by Lee Carsley this week. Villa Park is quieter than it was on Wednesday night against Bayern Munich, but that was inevitable, but the travelling United fans are in fine voice – even if, as is often the case, their songs aren’t really about the current team or manager.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 11 minutes
14:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Konsa’s day, alas, is done. It looks like it may be a hamstring for the England defender, which would surely rule him out of the upcoming international fixtures, too. A real shame – on comes Diego Carlos.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 10 minutes
14:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A major worry for Aston Villa as Ezri Konsa goes down in need of treatment. Diego Carlos is being readied.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 8 minutes
14:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Shouts of joy from the unsighted sections of the home support as Morgan Rogers lashes a shot just wide of Andre Onana’s goal, the ruffling of the rear of the net via a bounce off the advertising hoardings having created the perception of an opener.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 7 minutes
14:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Marcus Rashford forces the first save from Emililano Martinez, though it’s relatively comfortable for the goalkeeper as he flays away to his left.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 4 minutes
14:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Not the best delivery. A comfortable clearing header for one of Manchester United’s bigger blokes as the hierarchy look on from on high.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 3 minutes
14:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Morgan Rogers wins a free kick out of Christian Eriksen, forced to clip the heels having been turned a little too easily. An early booking for the Dane and a chance for Aston Villa to load the box.
Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 1 minute
14:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ross Barkley gets on the ball in the opening minute and pierces Manchester United’s midfield two, requiring Jonny Evans to step out of defence and sweep the ball out of play. Barkley is playing alongside Youri Tielemans in Aston Villa’s midfield pairing, with Jaden Philogene, Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey supporting Ollie Watkins.
KICK OFF!
14:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Up and running at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
13:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Out the players come into the autumn air, warmed by some pitchside flames. Can Manchester United find some hope after four gloomy games without a win?
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
13:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Manchester United bigwigs are in the building: Jim Ratcliffe, Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, Dave Brailsford. The firing squad?
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
13:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Richard Jolly, our Senior Football Correspondent, is in position for us at Villa Park this afternoon, his second visit in a week after watching Unai Emery’s men evoke old glories against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. His pre-match focus is, understandably, on the visitors, though:
“A damning selection from Erik ten Hag, with Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt dropped for Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, the 2018/19 Leicester centre-back partnership. A chance at Villa Park for Bruno Fernandes to get a third red card in a week, too.”
Erik ten Hag speaks to Sky Sports ahead of kick off
13:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“Rotation,” Erik ten Hag says as an explanation for his switch of centre-halves. “We have so many games to cover, so we looked at what was needed for this game and made a choice. There is always pressure, but there is no more pressure that at any other time.
“Porto was also a very important game, Spurs was an important game. Every game is an important game. We are calm, we are composed – not only the team, everyone is the club.
“We have to improve as a team, we have to improve the process. You need that strong mentality but we are only focussing on improving in the game and moving forward. Aston Villa are a very good team. It’s a challenge. They beat Bayern Munich.”
Lee Carsley explains absence of breakout Aston Villa star tipped for England squad
13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
So another chance for Morgan Rogers to impress as the Aston Villa forward continues to burgeon his reputation. It sounds like Rogers wasn’t far away at all from making Lee Carsley’s England squad on Thursday:
Lee Carsley explains absence of breakout Aston Villa star tipped for England squad
Jamie Carragher accuses Manchester United owners of taking ‘easy way out’ after Erik ten Hag decision
13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jamie Carragher has accused the owners of Manchester United of taking the “easy way out” after they elected not to move on from Erik ten Hag during the summer.
Ten Hag spent much of last season under pressure after mixed performances and results from his side, and Manchester United explored alternative managerial options before electing to keep the Dutchman in charge.
The club’s FA Cup win strengthened the manager’s case to remain in his role but there have been few signs of improvement in the opening weeks of the new season.
Jamie Carragher accuses Man Utd owners of taking ‘easy way out’ over Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag looks ahead with hope despite Manchester United’s ongoing struggle
13:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Erik ten Hag remains confident he has the backing of Manchester United’s hierarchy and that improvements are on their way after a problematic night in Porto intensified talk about his position.
The 54-year-old’s future is the subject of widespread discussion just three months after Ineos committed to the Dutchman, extending his contract following an in-depth post-season review.
Erik ten Hag pinpoints Manchester United’s ‘strong mentality’ after Porto draw
Unai Emery warns Aston Villa players not to relax after Bayern Munich win
13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has told his team to keep the pressure on under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman brings his United side to Villa Park today with intense speculation on his position after a desperate start to the season.
Defeat against Villa, who are on a high after beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League, would send Ten Hag closer to the edge.
Unai Emery warns Aston Villa players not to relax after Bayern Munich win
Team news – Manchester United
12:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A new centre-half pairing for Erik ten Hag, with the Manchester United manager the experience of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans at the back.
Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Evans, Dalot; Eriksen, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.
Team news – Aston Villa
12:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A handful of changes to the Aston Villa side that beat Bayern Munich, with Matty Cash, Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey all promoted from the bench.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Philogene, Barkley, Tielemans; Bailey, Watkins, Rogers.
Everyone piles on – Harry Maguire calls for Man Utd to stick together
12:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Harry Maguire says Manchester United have to stick together as “everyone piles on” under-fire boss Erik ten Hag and his team ahead of Sunday’s crunch trip to Aston Villa.
The misfiring Red Devils are in desperate need of a shot in the arm after last weekend’s 3-0 home humbling at the hands of Tottenham was compounded in Portugal on Thursday.
United blew a two-goal lead away to Porto and were staring down the barrel of defeat in the Europa League until super-sub Maguire’s thumping stoppage-time header snatched a 3-3 draw.
Everyone piles on – Harry Maguire calls for Man Utd to stick together
Manchester United are stuck in ‘purgatory’ – and there’s only one way out
12:20 , Miguel Delaney
When one prominent football figure caught a glimpse of the Manchester United dressing room recently, they immediately recognised a scene they had seen from rival clubs. That was a squad that “doesn’t know what next” and feels like it’s “going nowhere”. It isn’t intentional, of course, but is a feeling that starts to grip a group when there’s no sense of clarity.
“It’s like purgatory,” was the phrase. That description is all the more apt, given how the 3-3 draw at Porto represented another back and forth, amid this widespread wonder over what the club will do with Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United are stuck in ‘purgatory’ – and there’s only one way out
Man Utd are always slow to pull the trigger – can Erik ten Hag dodge the bullet again?
12:10 , Richard Jolly
Erik ten Hag may regret his choice of words. In saying on Sunday that he was not worried he would be sacked, the Dutchman stated he was “in the same boat” as Manchester United’s owners. It brought suggestions the vessel in question was the Titanic or some other sinking ship. Any Porto in a storm? It looked that way when United went 2-0 up in Portugal on Thursday, less so when they were 3-2 and a man down. An eventual 3-3 draw nevertheless means Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa assumes colossal proportions. A fourth defeat in six league matches would cast further doubt on Ten Hag’s assertion this week that United would make their season a success.
Man Utd are slow to pull the trigger – can Ten Hag dodge the bullet again?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Manchester United decision on Erik ten Hag ‘not my call’
12:00 , Richard Jolly
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said a decision on boss Erik Ten Hag’s position is not down to him.
Ten Hag’s future is the subject of widespread discussion just three months after Ineos committed to the Dutchman, extending his contract following an in-depth post-season review.
But the afterglow of May’s FA Cup win against Manchester City has long since faded, with Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat at Tottenham compounded four days later as United blew a two-goal lead against Porto in the Europa League.
Ratcliffe gives cryptic response when quizzed on Ten Hag sack rumours
Aston Villa vs Manchester United LIVE
11:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Hello and welcome along to The Independent’s live coverage of Aston Villa vs Manchester United in the Premier League. The visitors arrive in desperate need of a faith-restoring victory as manager Erik ten Hag edges ever closer to the sack, a last-gasp draw in the Europa League doing little to bolster his side’s confidence.
Aston Villa, by contrast, enjoyed their midweek outing, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in a performance that evoked memories of the club’s greatest European night. Kick off is at 2pm BST.
