Man Utd player ratings vs Aston Villa: Stay of execution for Erik ten Hag? Outstanding Jonny Evans leads spirited Red Devils showing in drab draw – but Rasmus Hojlund continues to struggle

Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United remains unclear, but his side put in a spirited showing against Aston Villa on Sunday to earn a 0-0 draw against Unai Emery’s in-form side.

Marcus Rashford had the first effort of the game as he cut inside and forced Emiliano Martinez into a save, and while Villa threatened through Morgan Rogers and Jaden Philogene, United looked relatively comfortable in defence.

Rashford again tested Martinez after the break while Andre Onana kept out a long-range effort from Youri Tielemans at the other end. Bruno Fernandes then went closest to breaking the deadlock when he hit the crossbar from a free-kick, but in the end, neither side could force a breakthrough and had to settle for a point each.

GOAL rates United’s players from Villa Park…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (6/10):

  Only really stretched on one occasion when he denied Tielemans from range. Otherwise was solid with his handling and his distribution.

  Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

  Did OK defensively, even if his play in possession lacked much imagination. Off at half-time, presumably due to injury.

  Harry Maguire (6/10):

  Did a decent job up against Watkins, even if he did pick up a booking for a stray arm when forced into the channel. Injury meant he was forced off at half-time.

  Jonny Evans (9/10):

  Absolutely outstanding. Nothing got past the 36-year-old veteran as he threw his body into challenges and made countless blocks and clearances. Should remain in the team after this.

  Diogo Dalot (7/10):

  Had a tough task up against Bailey but did enough to keep the Jamaica international pretty quiet. Again drifted into midfield so United could outnumber Villa centrally before saving a certain goal when blocking Philogene’s stoppage-time effort.

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    Midfield

    Christian Eriksen (5/10):

    A third-minute booking suggested this was going to be a difficult day for the Dane, and he was a non-factor defensively thereafter. Did have a couple of nice touches in possession without ever looking like cutting Villa open.

    Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):

    Returned from injury but not the teenager’s best showing. Booked in the first half, too.

    Bruno Fernandes (4/10):

    Gave the ball away constantly in the first half as he tried to be too clever as United attacked. Improved slightly after the break and struck the crossbar with a free-kick, but still not at his best.

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      Attack

      Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):

      Struggled to get involved early on but gradually worked his way into the game and gave Digne a couple of problems. Lacked much cutting edge, which was summed up when he failed to put Fernandes in when clean through in stoppage-time.

      Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

      Made a couple of decent runs in behind, but was otherwise a non-factor in the game as United struggled to find the No.9. Replaced by Zirkzee just past the hour-mark.

      Marcus Rashford (7/10):

      Enjoyed an excellent first half as he caused Cash all sorts of problems, and tested Martinez on a couple of occasions either side of the break. Lucky to avoid being sent off for two yellows before being replaced.

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      Subs & Manager

      Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):

      On for the injured Maguire at half-time but still doesn’t offer much confidence with his reading of the game.

      Victor Lindelof (6/10):

      Forced into action at right-back and did well in an unfamiliar role despite Villa looking to target his flank.

      Joshua Zirkzee (4/10):

      Given over 25 minutes to make an impact but failed to keep hold of the ball when he got it and never caused a threat.

      Antony (6/10):

      Had one effort saved by Martinez after coming on for Rashford.

      Casemiro (N/A):

      On inside the final 10 minutes for Mainoo.

      Erik ten Hag (6/10):

      Changing his centre-backs was a brave call but one he was rewarded for, especially by Evans. Still needs to find his best attacking combination, though.