Erik ten Hag and Manchester United collected a second stalemate in seven Premier League outings, leaving Birmingham in 14th position.
If the performance against Aston Villa was an improvement defensively, it continued to lack any cutting edge in the final third.
Although Marcus Rashford threatened out left, Bruno Fernandes continued to underwhelm, and Alejandro Garnacho once more lacked with his final product.
It was a fixture that had the feel of a ‘must not lose’ ahead of the international break, with veteran Jonny Evans earning a deserved Player of the Match award.
With the media machine spinning a variety of narratives from the final whistle, here are five talking points we have selected from an underwhelming day at Villa Park.
A calculated selection
First and foremost, Ten Hag’s starting selection left many bemused.
Considering the opponent – one who had dispatched Bayern Munich midweek – the decision to remove a defensive midfielder and install Harry Maguire alongside Evans raised more than a couple of eyebrows.
Before kickoff, it was painted as a lineup that confirmed the manager had accepted his faith. But it morphed into a selection to avoid defeat after the final whistle.
Ultimately, significant changes occurred in defence, and a clean sheet alongside the Irishman’s Player of the Match vindicated the tactical efforts of the manager.
Say what you will about a rotation policy, but the modifications worked here.
A best-in-class audience
Sir Jim Ratcliffe attended the fixture following his brief conversation with the BBC’s Dan Roan during the week.
Sitting alongside Sir Dave Brailsford, Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, and Sir Alex Ferguson, the eyes of the world peered anxiously in their direction.
Many believe the group is preparing ‘crisis talks’, although Ten Hag remains confident in their support.
“We are all on board, all together, on one page. We know what we are working towards,” he told Sky Sports after the final whistle.
With 12 days until Brentford make the trip to Old Trafford, uncertainty remains about the future of the Dutchman in the North West.
Continue to lack a cutting edge in the final third
If you can momentarily disregard the 3-0 victory against Southampton, the Reds have failed to score more than a solitary goal in any Premier League outing.
Additionally, that fixture in St. Mary’s on September 14 was the last time United registered a goal in the league.
A tally of 17 big chances missed ranks second domestically, with an abundantly talented frontline continuing to struggle with their efforts.
Rashford came close with a fizzing attempt in the first half, while Bruno rattled the crossbar with a sensational set-piece in the second.
But, for all of the improvement defensively, the forwards need to start converting opportunities immediately.
A catalogue of damning statistics
Yesterday’s scoreless draw was the second of the campaign and the third league outing where United failed to find the net.
A tally of five goals ranks alongside Crystal Palace and only above the Saints, who sit 19th with four.
Worryingly, the figure is the least at this stage of a season after 1972-73 (four), with the team suffering relegation the following year under Tommy Docherty.
Furthermore, the points total of eight is the lowest collection after seven games in Premier League history.
Have we witnessed Erik ten Hag’s final fixture?
The previous points highlight undeniable issues at the home of the 20-time English champions.
For many, the manager’s days are numbered, and the hierarchy is simply prolonging the inevitable in remaining loyal to their man.
Ashworth spoke about the necessity to focus on medium to long-term results in June, and one can only wonder if we are in the realm of medium consideration.
With Ruud van Nistelrooy ready and waiting for an opportunity, supporters believe now is the optimum time to act.
But, as we enter another frustrating period of club inactivity, uncertainty remains about the future of the FA-Cup-winning manager and the amount of stock he has within the Ineos hierarchy.
How do you feel about the ongoing struggles for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United, and what would you do?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Recent Posts
- Reports in Italy hint at shock move for Manchester United attacker
- Erik ten Hag fires second shot at impatient media
- Manchester United amongst heavyweight group eyeing move for lethal striker
