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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag knows thatfor Man Utd to stick together”>pressure is mounting on his team after a run of underpar results has left them scrambling in both thePremier Leagueand in European competition.

United have not won a game since their 7-0 hammering over League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup and slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham last time out in the top-flight. Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time goal earned them a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday but the Red Devils had previously squandered a two-goal and looked on the verge of defeat.

In contrast, Aston Villa are flying high. They started the weekend fifth in the domestic table and come into the match on the back of a historic with historic Champions League win over Bayern Munich”>1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Unai Emery’s men have not been beaten since a 2-0 loss to Arsenal back in August and with Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran all in form they will be formidable opponents this afternoon.

Follow all the action from Villa Park in our live blog below:

Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 46 minutes

Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 15:07

Second half…

A first Premier League appearance since March for Victor Lindelof, on for Noussair Mazraoui as Ten Hag changes two of his back four. That must be enforced, you’d think.

Matthijs de Ligt goes into the heart of the defensive unit, with Lindelof on the right.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 15:05

HT: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United

Hang on – it’s a double switch from Erik ten Hag, ever unpredictable. Victor Lindelof is also stripped and ready.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 15:03

HT: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United

It was Matthis de Ligt being prepared to come on for Harry Maguire before half time, which feels instructive of how Erik ten Hag views his defensive pecking order. De Ligt hasn’t necessarily set the world alight since his summer arrival, though Ten Hag clearly has some degree of trust in his fellow Dutchman.

Aston Villa, remember, lost Ezri Konsa early on, with the hectic schedule perhaps taking its toll.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 15:00

HT: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United

Erik ten Hag marches down the tunnel with a bit of thinking to do, Harry Maguire having to be helped off behind him. It’s been better from Manchester United, though that isn’t necessarily saying much – the experienced centre-halves have lended greater stability defensively, but the visitors are yet to dazzle in an attacking sense.

Neither, really, are Aston Villa, in what has been a somewhat sleepy Sunday affair. No shots on target so far for the hosts.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 14:53

HALF TIME: Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United

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Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 14:50

Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 45 + 3 minutes

There won’t be time to make that change before the interval.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 14:50

Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 45 + 2 minutes

Jonny Evans’ gargoyle-like visage as he screams at the referee prompts a warning from Rob Jones, though the official keeps his cards in his pocket. I’m not quite sure what Evans was angry about, his foul pretty clear.

There’s concern for Manchester United’s other centre-half, too – Harry Maguire goes down as Manchester United deal with teh delivery having appeared to have tweaked something. He gropes at a calf as Matthijs de Ligt is hurriedly stripped off.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 14:49

Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 45 minutes

Into three additional minutes, stemming mainly from Ezri Konsa’s injury with little otherwise to trouble the timekeeper.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 14:46

Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United, 44 minutes

Two set pieces in a row find the hands of Andre Onana, Youri Tielemans unable to show Lucas Digne how it is done. It’s all been a little low quality so far, the fatigue of each side’s midweek exertions perhaps showing.

Harry Latham-Coyle6 October 2024 14:45



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