BIRMINGHAM, OCT 7 – Manchester United’s five-match winless run in a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa yesterday did not seem to ease the pressure on Erik ten Hag.
Bruno Fernandes’ effort hit the crossbar with the best effort from either side from a second-half free-kick but United have now failed to score in their last three Premier League games.
A point leaves Ten Hag’s men in 14th place, having won just two of their opening seven league games this season.
“We know at the moment we have a lack of goals,” said Ten Hag.
“In that perspective it’s not a good start, we have to improve it. That is an area we need to improve.”
Fifth-placed Villa missed out on promotion as they were unable to repeat their heroics against Bayern Munich in midweek.
Both teams showed signs of fatigue as the match looked lackluster.
“We lost a bit of energy, but I’m happy that the draw was not the worst result,” said Villa boss Unai Emery.
“In the second half we corrected some things to control the game.”
England international Rashford burst in to force Emi Martinez to block his first-half effort with a powerful shot after five minutes.
Morgan Rogers also had an attempt but missed while United’s re-formed defense held on with little trouble until the break.
Ten Hag were forced into another defensive overhaul at half-time as Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui were forced off injured while De Ligt and Victor Lindelof were brought on.
Rashford forced Martinez into another good save with a shot from outside the penalty area.
Rashford was shown a yellow card when he brought down Leon Bailey and was immediately replaced by Ten Hag to avoid United being sent off for a third game in a row.
Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham was overturned to allow him to play and the United captain came close to scoring the winner from a free-kick but hit the crossbar.
Emery switched to Villa substitute Jhon Duran after the Colombian scored five goals this season but he too was unable to revive Villa’s sluggish form.
During the international break over the next two weeks, United’s management may decide the fate of the Ten Hag. – AFP
