Though they were far from fluent going forward, United put in a solid defensive showing to earn a point at Villa Park
Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United remains unclear, but his side put in a spirited showing against Aston Villa on Sunday to earn a 0-0 draw against Unai Emery's in-form side.
Marcus Rashford had the first effort of the game as he cut inside and forced Emiliano Martinez into a save, and while Villa threatened through Morgan Rogers and Jaden Philogene, United looked relatively comfortable in defence.
Rashford again tested Martinez after the break while Andre Onana kept out a long-range effort from Youri Tielemans at the other end. Bruno Fernandes then went closest to breaking the deadlock when he hit the crossbar from a free-kick, but in the end, neither side could force a breakthrough and had to settle for a point each.
GOAL rates United's players from Villa Park…
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Only really stretched on one occasion when he denied Tielemans from range. Otherwise was solid with his handling and his distribution.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Did OK defensively, even if his play in possession lacked much imagination. Off at half-time, presumably due to injury.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Did a decent job up against Watkins, even if he did pick up a booking for a stray arm when forced into the channel. Injury meant he was forced off at half-time.
Jonny Evans (9/10):
Absolutely outstanding. Nothing got past the 36-year-old veteran as he threw his body into challenges and made countless blocks and clearances. Should remain in the team after this.
Diogo Dalot (7/10):
Had a tough task up against Bailey but did enough to keep the Jamaica international pretty quiet. Again drifted into midfield so United could outnumber Villa centrally before saving a certain goal when blocking Philogene's stoppage-time effort.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Christian Eriksen (5/10):
A third-minute booking suggested this was going to be a difficult day for the Dane, and he was a non-factor defensively thereafter. Did have a couple of nice touches in possession without ever looking like cutting Villa open.
Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):
Returned from injury but not the teenager's best showing. Booked in the first half, too.
Bruno Fernandes (4/10):
Gave the ball away constantly in the first half as he tried to be too clever as United attacked. Improved slightly after the break and struck the crossbar with a free-kick, but still not at his best.
Getty Images SportAttack
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Struggled to get involved early on but gradually worked his way into the game and gave Digne a couple of problems. Lacked much cutting edge, which was summed up when he failed to put Fernandes in when clean through in stoppage-time.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
Made a couple of decent runs in behind, but was otherwise a non-factor in the game as United struggled to find the No.9. Replaced by Zirkzee just past the hour-mark.
Marcus Rashford (7/10):
Enjoyed an excellent first half as he caused Cash all sorts of problems, and tested Martinez on a couple of occasions either side of the break. Lucky to avoid being sent off for two yellows before being replaced.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):
On for the injured Maguire at half-time but still doesn't offer much confidence with his reading of the game.
Victor Lindelof (6/10):
Forced into action at right-back and did well in an unfamiliar role despite Villa looking to target his flank.
Joshua Zirkzee (4/10):
Given over 25 minutes to make an impact but failed to keep hold of the ball when he got it and never caused a threat.
Antony (6/10):
Had one effort saved by Martinez after coming on for Rashford.
Casemiro (N/A):
On inside the final 10 minutes for Mainoo.
Erik ten Hag (6/10):
Changing his centre-backs was a brave call but one he was rewarded for, especially by Evans. Still needs to find his best attacking combination, though.