Manchester United and Villa share spoils as Erik ten Hag lives to fight another day

Manchester United held Aston Villa to a goalless draw in a result that could provide a lifeline for struggling Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.

Both teams came into this game on the back of contrasting midweek performances and for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag, the objective was simple; avoid defeat. They managed to do so, earning a point in an underwhelming 0-0 draw at Villa Park.

READ ALSO: Ten Hag advised to walk away from Manchester United as INEOS eye perfect replacement

Aston Villa vs Man Utd: How it happened

The match sparked to life early on, with Marcus Rashford unleashing a venomous strike that Emiliano Martínez expertly handled.

Chances were scarce in a cagey first half, with Jaden Philogene’s long-range effort for the hosts, sailing narrowly wide.

Villa created the better opportunities, but Jonny Evans blocked Youri Tielemans’ shot, and Leon Bailey squandered a gilt-edged chance from Lucas Digne’s cross.

Ten Hag’s men seemed more content with staying compact and could have scored against the run of play when Alejandro Garnacho tested Martínez with a tight-angled shot, but the Villa keeper held firm.

The second half saw more of the same, with Rashford threatening early on, only for Martínez to tip his effort onto the crossbar.

Bruno Fernandes came super close with a free-kick that clipped the crossbar, and Antony’s follow-up sailed wide.

Even Villa’s super-sub Jhon Durán couldn’t conjure late magic, and Diogo Dalot’s crucial block denied Philogene what seemed a certain goal in injury time.

The draw extended Villa’s unbeaten run to eight games across all competitions, while United’s winless streak stretched to five matches, with four of those ending in stalemates.

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---