Manchester United’s unbeaten run in all competitions extended to five games after a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, leaving manager Erik ten Hag’s position uncertain heading into a two-week international break.
Ten Hag arrived at Villa Park under a lot of pressure as United lost three of their six league games and the club’s minority owner Jim Ratcliffe failed to say he had faith in the Dutch coach when asked specifically on Friday.
As commendable as getting a point at Villa is, it still may not be enough for The Hague – especially with United’s new management having two weeks to assess their future before the team’s next game. United are 14th in the 20-team league.
Playing ahead of Ratcliffe and the rest of United’s hierarchy, the visitors came closest to scoring when Bruno Fernandes hit a free-kick against the post in the 68th.
“We’re all on board, together, on the same page,” Ten Haag said of his relationship with the club’s management. “We know what we’re working towards – it’s a long-term project and we need to keep improving the process.”
Villa were largely dominant four days after beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Following last weekend’s heavy 3-0 loss at Tottenham, United have drawn Europa League draws at Porto and now at the rejuvenated Villa.
“We proved in two tough away games that this is a team,” Ten Haag said. “You saw the readiness, the spirit, but also the belief that they have.”
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest thanks to Noni Madueke’s 57th-minute equalizer at Stamford Bridge.
Forest took the lead eight minutes earlier through Chris Wood and had to play with 10 men from the 78th after James Ward-Prowse was sent off following a second yellow card for diving with his hands on the ball to stop Nicholas Jackson breaking away.
Tottenham visit Brighton later on Sunday.
