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This uninspiring performance adds to a nightmarish start for the Red Devils, who have only managed two wins in their first seven Premier League matches. Their Europa League campaign isn’t faring any better, with consecutive draws against FC Twente and Porto. The pressure on Ten Hag is mounting, and the club’s hierarchy is reportedly set to meet within 48 hours to discuss his future.
The match did little to ease concerns about Ten Hag’s leadership. Both teams appeared sluggish, with few moments of brilliance. United’s best chance came when Bruno Fernandes hit the crossbar with a free-kick, while Marcus Rashford, who had been subbed off early in the previous Europa League match, looked lively but narrowly avoided a red card after two reckless challenges. Despite some early intent, Rashford’s long-range shot was easily saved by Emiliano Martínez.
Aston Villa’s early promise faded when Ezri Konsa was injured in the 11th minute, but his replacement, Diego Carlos, stepped up with crucial interventions. Villa’s attacking chances were few, with Leon Bailey missing a good opportunity from a Lucas Digne cross and Ollie Watkins’ speculative shot sailing over the bar. Jaden Philogene also tried from distance, but like most attempts, it drifted wide.
The second half was more of the same, with both sides struggling for rhythm. Rashford again looked the most likely to create something, forcing Martínez into a fingertip save that deflected onto the crossbar. Clear chances were scarce for both teams. Villa’s Youri Tielemans tested United’s goalkeeper André Onana with a powerful shot, while Philogene and Jhon Durán saw efforts blocked or go wide.
As the match wound down, both teams seemed content with a point. Diogo Dalot made a vital block to deny Philogene’s late strike, while Morgan Rogers’ lob attempt drifted wide. For Villa, the draw extended their unbeaten run to eight matches, though they’ve now drawn two consecutive Premier League games. United, on the other hand, remain winless in their last five, with four ending in draws.
This result leaves United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table and adds to the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future. Brought in with high hopes after his success at Ajax, patience is wearing thin among fans and the board, with reports of a pivotal meeting in London early next week to decide Ten Hag’s fate.
Several names are already being tossed around for the potential managerial vacancy if the club parts ways with Ten Hag. England manager Gareth Southgate is reportedly a leading candidate, alongside former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, and ex-Brighton manager Graham Potter. However, Van Nistelrooy has reservations about the job due to concerns over internal politics at Old Trafford, having faced similar issues at PSV Eindhoven.
For Ten Hag, time is running out. While Steve Bruce and other former players urge patience, the club’s executives seem less inclined to wait. The upcoming board meeting will likely determine whether Ten Hag gets more time to turn things around or if United will make yet another managerial change in their quest for stability and success. With the club still reeling from years of underperformance since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, the pressure to make the right decision is immense.
Ultimately, the stalemate at Villa Park only deepened the malaise surrounding Manchester United. The team’s lack of energy, creativity, and attacking threat was clear, and it remains to be seen if Ten Hag can steer the ship back on course — if he’s even given the chance.
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