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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is still not safe despite his side’s goalless draw as the Red Devils are winless in five matches across all competitions and 14th in the Premier League.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is still not safe from the sack after his team put in an uninspiring display to draw with Aston Villa on Sunday.
Even though the Red Devils extended their remarkable record of only one defeat in their last 26 Premier League visits to Villa Park, both teams entered the match eager to build momentum after contrasting performances in European competitions midweek, but the game ultimately showcased defensive resilience over attacking flair.
The first half saw an early spark from Marcus Rashford, who was eager to bounce back after being substituted at halftime in the previous match against Porto.
His powerful strike was expertly parried away by Villa's Emiliano Martínez, signaling his intent. However, Villa faced an early setback when defender Ezri Konsa had to leave the field due to injury just 11 minutes in, paving the way for Diego Carlos to step in and deliver a crucial recovery run to thwart Rasmus Hojlund's advance.
Despite both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances, the hosts appeared slightly more threatening. Jaden Philogene came close with a long-range effort that sailed just wide, while Jonny Evans was instrumental in blocking a shot from Youri Tielemans. Leon Bailey also squandered a golden opportunity, misfiring from a Lucas Digne cross.
At the other end, Alejandro Garnacho's shot from a tight angle was comfortably dealt with by Martínez, but the first half ended with neither side able to break the deadlock.
The second half began in a similar vein, with both teams cautiously probing for openings. Harry Maguire, hampered by injury, was substituted alongside Noussair Mazraoui as United looked to freshen their approach. Rashford again tried his luck early, but Martínez was equal to it, tipping the ball onto the crossbar and out of danger.
Villa's Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins both struggled to find the target, while Bruno Fernandes almost sparked the game into life with a stunning free-kick that rattled the crossbar. Antony's follow-up was off-target, leaving both teams frustrated.
As the match wore on, Jhon Duran's late efforts lacked the magic needed to tip the scales in Villa's favor, while Diogo Dalot's crucial block denied Philogene a late winner. Morgan Rogers also missed a chance to clinch victory for Villa with a poorly executed dinked shot.
Despite the lack of goals, the draw marked Aston Villa's eighth consecutive match unbeaten across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Manchester United continued to grapple with their recent form, remaining winless in their last five league outings, four of which ended in draws as speculation about Ten Hag’s future continues.
The United hierarchy is set for a meeting in London on Tuesday and Ten Hag’s position is likely to be among those to be discussed.
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