Struggling ten Hag says players ‘are good enough’ despite Man United’s issues
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Manchester United continue to endure their latest crisis under Erik ten Hag after a humbling at West Ham, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreeing a deal to purchase 25 percent of the club.
Ten Hag is therefore desperate for points to ease the pressure, while injuries continue to further heighten the difficulty of the task with Aston Villa visiting Old Trafford this evening.
Unai Emery’s side have been surprise title contenders so far this season, but must bounce back after a frustrating draw at home to Sheffield United, making this an intriguing contest with both sides likely to push for victory.
Follow all the updates from the Premier League’s festive schedule, plus team news and all live action from Old Trafford below – plus check out the latest odds and tips for the festive football here.
Manchester United 0-2 Aston Villa
32’ Another chance for United! Garnacho tried to pick out Hojland in the middle of the box, but the pass was just behind him.
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:33
Manchester United 0-2 Aston Villa
31’ Rashford has a chance! United might just have sprung into life, he takes a touch and a shot but Martinez is able to dive down and make the save.
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:32
Manchester United 0-2 Aston Villa
29’ The mood has noticeably changed around Old Trafford in the last couple of minutes, the boos rang out after the second goal and all you can hear are the Aston Villa fans.
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:29
GOAL! Dendoncker scores his side’s second – Manchester United 0-2 Aston Villa
26’ GOAL! Aston Villa have another set-piece, this time from the corner, and they have another!
No one at all was marking Dendoncker, he just flicked the ball into the back of the net from a completely unmarked position!
Lenglet headed the ball back into the mix and right in front of goal Dendoncker does a clever flick into the back of the net.
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:28
Manchester United 0-1 Aston Villa
22’ That was a clever move, there was no touch by anyone on the way throguh and Onana has just sprawled on the floor.
It swung in from the right and beat everyone! Leon Bailey had taken up an uncharacteristic position directly behind Onana before the kick was taken, but moved as soon as it was.
There was a VAR check for a touch by an offside player, but the goal stands!
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:23
GOAL! McGinn scores direct from a free-kick – Manchester United 0-1 Aston Villa
22’ GOAL! McGinn scores!
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:22
Manchester United 0-0 Aston Villa
20’ Bruno Fernandes could have been more severely penalised for the high boot on Dendoncker there, but it’s just a free kick.
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:21
Manchester United 0-0 Aston Villa
19’ Watkins this time is there to pounce on a long ball, but again Manchester United are alert and Varane is able to clear, that is after they gave the ball away to the visitors.
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:19
Manchester United 0-0 Aston Villa
17’ Wan-Bissaka is having to be active on the right side, that looks to be the side Villa’s breaks are targeting, and they have another corner…but it’s cleared by Eriksen.
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:17
Manchester United 0-0 Aston Villa
15’ That was good defending from Wan-Bissaka to win the ball back and United can counter, but the passes are not pin point and the goalkeeper is able to come and gather.
Sonia Twigg26 December 2023 20:15
