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Manchester United legend Paul Scholes suggested that the Red Devils were not looking to win against Aston Villa. The two sides played a drab 0-0 draw in the Premier League on Sunday, October 6.
Scholes said after the goalless draw at Villa Park (via Premier League Productions):
"It's a point for United going to a tough ground under a lot of pressure. I never really felt like they were there to try and win the game. It was more of a survival tactic than anything, but they were quite tough to play against I suppose and you have to take into account the midweek fixtures especially."
"Villa had a big win against Bayern Munich and struggled to live up to that today. For United to go away in Europe, it's difficult on a Thursday night and they had a tough game. I think the game probably reflects the midweek both clubs had. United were more difficult to play against today and more difficult to play through, which doesn't usually happen," he added.
Manchester United were coming off a difficult result midweek against Porto in the Europa League. The Red Devils squandered a 2-0 lead and had to rely on a stoppage-time equalizer from Harry Maguire to secure a 3-3 draw.
Against Villa, United managed just four shots on target and had an xG of 0.56 overall. The result sees Erik ten Hag break his record from last season for the worst start for the club in Premier League history, collecting just eight points from seven games.
Erik ten Hag insists that Manchester United management has faith in him
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag claimed he was in constant contact with the club's hierarchy. After his side's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, the Dutchman insisted he would have been informed if he was to be sacked.
He said (via press conference):
"I don't have any idea that is different because they should have told me. We communicate - very open, very transparent."
"I would say every day we talk, so I expect I will speak with them," Ten Hag added.
The Red Devils are now 14th in the Premier League. They have just two wins from their first seven games.
