Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United: Visitors extend winless run to five in goalless draw

Manchester United were held to a goalless draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park in the Premier League.

The first 10 minutes of the game were the most lively as both sides came out of the blocks quickly. However, after this, both teams struggled to create any chances and lacked the quality to get the opener.

Bruno Fernandes had the best chance of the second half, but his effort hit the crossbar, and after this, neither team could break the deadlock as the game finished 0-0.

As it Happened

It was a lively start, with both teams having good chances to take the lead. Marcus Rashford hit a decent effort in the opening five minutes, but Emiliano Martínez made a comfortable save. Three minutes later, Morgan Rogers had a brilliant opportunity inside the 18-yard box, but dragged his shot wide.

The game slowed down after this, with Erik Ten Hag’s men breaking Aston Villa’s high line multiple times but not being able to find the final ball to put pressure on the Villa defence.

At the 30-minute mark, Man United were more settled out of the two teams but struggled to create any clear-cut chances to test Martínez. Eight minutes later, Alejandro Garnacho had a chance after being released down the left, but the winger’s tame effort was easily saved by the Villa keeper.

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Rashford had another brilliant opportunity at the start of the second half, as the forward cut onto his right foot, but Martínez again made a brilliant save.

Besides this chance, Villa were the better team in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, with Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins’ efforts coming close to giving Unai Emery’s team the lead.

Bruno Fernandes then had the best chance of the game in the 67th minute after his free-kick hit the crossbar and was cleared away in a lucky break for Villa.

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Both teams continued to search for the opener, but a lack of quality meant neither side could break the deadlock until Villa had their best chance of the game deep into extra time.

Jaden Philogene was found at the back post after a good move by Aston Villa, found the winger, but his effort was well blocked by Diogo Dalot to keep the score level.

The result leaves Manchester United winless in five games, their last victory their 7-0 hammering of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Aston Villa won’t be entirely satisfied either, with this game reflecting two points dropped in their bid to keep up with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table – especially with the international break right around the corner.

The lineups

AVI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Philogene, Barkley, Tielemans, Bailey; Rogers; Watkins

MUN: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo, Eriksen, Fernandes; Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund