Manchester United’s frustrating start to the season continued with a goalless draw at Aston Villa, extending their winless run to five games. The Red Devils’ inability to find the back of the net has become a major concern, with their paltry return of five goals in seven games marking their lowest ever start to a Premier League campaign. This latest draw followed a similar 0-0 stalemate against Crystal Palace and a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last weekend.
Manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged the team’s lack of goals, stating, “We know in this moment we have a lack of goals. In that perspective, it’s not a good start, we have to step up. That’s an area we have to improve.” However, he was quick to point out the positives from the game, particularly the improved defensive display after a shaky 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League.
Ten Hag’s decision to drop Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt in favor of veteran defender Jonny Evans proved successful, with the 36-year-old earning the man-of-the-match award on his return to the starting lineup. “You see we had a very good organization and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team,” ten Hag said, highlighting the team’s resilience.
The game was also notable for the presence of Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe at Villa Park, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding ten Hag’s future. Despite being handed a contract extension until 2026 in July following their FA Cup triumph, ten Hag’s position has come under scrutiny after a disappointing eighth-place finish last season and a shaky start to the new campaign.
Despite the pressure, ten Hag remained steadfast in his belief in the team’s long-term vision. “We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through, it’s a long-term process. We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team, we showed the belief and faith we have,” he concluded. The two-week international break will provide a much-needed respite for the Red Devils, giving them time to regroup and address their scoring woes before the next Premier League match.
