Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday left manager Erik ten Hag with mixed emotions heading into the international break. While the result halted a string of poor performances, it did little to ease the pressure on the Dutchman or improve United’s disappointing league position.
Ten Hag’s Tactical Gamble
Ten Hag made some bold choices in his starting lineup, opting for Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire as his center-back pairing. This decision seemed to pay off, with Evans in particular putting in a strong performance that earned him man of the match honors. The defensive setup allowed United to sit in a low block and focus on the basics of defending.However, Maguire’s injury at halftime forced a reshuffle, with Matthijs de Ligt coming on as his replacement. Interestingly, Ten Hag chose Victor Lindelof over Lisandro Martinez when making a change at right-back, perhaps indicating a shift in his tactical thinking.
Rashford’s Lucky Escape
Marcus Rashford had a eventful second half, narrowly avoiding a red card after two bookable offenses in quick succession. His removal shortly after highlighted the fine line United were walking, especially given Bruno Fernandes’ recent disciplinary issues.
Offensive Struggles Continue
United’s attacking woes persisted, with the team failing to score in three of their last four Premier League matches. The front three of Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund struggled to make an impact, and substitutions did little to change the dynamic.
What’s Next for Ten Hag?
While the clean sheet is a positive, United’s position in the bottom half of the table after seven matches is cause for concern. With senior INEOS executives present at the match and a crucial meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Ten Hag’s long-term project at United faces increasing scrutiny. The manager remains optimistic, telling Sky Sports: “We are all on board together, on one page. We know where we are working to. It is a long-term project and we have to keep improving the process.”
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