Many would have already assigned the game at Villa Park as Ten Hags' last game in charge of United or more accurately the games against Villa and Porto, the only problem though is that he didn't lose both games instead earning a draw in both, the noise you are still hearing are all sustained by the horror show against Tottenham at Old Trafford a week ago. Against Villa United adopted a compact shape, not allowing Villa to play through the middle and it was indeed a bit comical seeing the Villa players try to force their way through the United midfield and drive towards goal, fortunately, the players have all learned their lessons and the embarrassing circumstances of the Tottenham opening goal did not repeat itself. United legend Paul Scholes, however, does not like the fact that United will go to Villa and sit back hoping to play on the counterattack, but as much as he disapproves, United is still not in any shape to commandeer the game yesterday.
Bruno And Rashford Hit Woodwork And Maguire/Evans Partnership
As much as Scholes didn't like the tactics Ten Hag used on Sunday it was still very effective as Villa were reduced to only 1 shot on target and 11 attempts, compared to United's usual numbers this was an extravagant upgrade. Many would have been surprised by the inclusion of Maguire and Evans at the heart of the defense, but based on the performance of Martinez and De Ligt in recent games this does not come as a surprise, Maguire did not manage to finish the game, Evans went all the way and onto a man of the match award. The attack was also sharp as well with Rashford bringing out two good saves out of Martinez, with the second grazing the crossbar, Fernandes also came close, hitting the crossbar from a dead ball.
Compared to United's recent perfomances this was an upgrade and hopefully the sporting board who were flanked by Sir Jim Rattcliff yesterday will give Ten hag the time he needs to sustain positive and effective change in the club.