Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United: The verdict and player ratings

Aston Villa made it eight games unbeaten in all competitions after a goalless draw against Manchester United at Villa Park. The result, alongside other results over the weekend, means Villa sit fifth in the Premier League table after the first seven games, whilst Manchester United sit miserably in 14th position.

The verdict

The game provided evidence to the thoughts of many elite-level players, manager and pundits that have recently claimed that too many games for the players will lead to more injuries and lower quality football. In a game between two sides that had performed with a very high intensity in respective European competitions just a few days before, the performance from both was one of fatigue and lacking in energy.

As the stats suggest, neither team threatened the opposition's goal to a great extent. Bruno Fernandes came closest to scoring for the visitors when his 25-yard free-kick crashed against the crossbar. Arguably, however, you could say Emi Martinez had his angles covered and would have made the save had the shot been on target. For Villa, their best chance came in the final few moments of the match. Ian Maatsen's pull-back from the left-hand side of the box travelled to the far post where Jaden Philogene was perfectly placed. However, his left-footed shot that was destined for the corner was well blocked by Diogo Dalot.

Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford both had decent opportunities to put their teams ahead in the first half, but neither really tested the keeper.

After a monumental effort to beat six-time Champions League winners Bayern Munich in midweek, the feeling both on the pitch and in the stands was one of fatigue. Villa had the majority of the possession but struggled to create chances when so often they are able to do so with ease. The performance was flat and they were probably fortunate to come up against a side that is struggling to string together results.

The injury to Ezri Konsa in the first half also came as a massive blow to the home side. After just ten minutes, Konsa limped off the pitch with an adductor injury after clearing the ball out of defence. It hasn't yet come to light the extent of the injury, but @physioscout believe he is likely to miss at least three to four weeks.

Konsa joins a growing list of absentees for Villa as the feeling of concern begins to grow that Villa could burn out as they did towards the back end of the previous campaign. Konsa will join John McGinn, Amadou Onana, Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey on the list of those injured or not match-fit.

The international break comes at a good time for Aston Villa, who will use the time to help those with injuries continue their rehabilitation, as well as helping everyone to recover from a tough couple of weeks mentally and physically.

Player ratings

Emi Martinez - Not called into action very often. Made comfortable saves to deny Rashford and Anthony in an otherwise quiet afternoon. Solid with the ball at his feet, as per usual. 7

Matty Cash - In his first appearance following the return from a thigh injury, Cash struggled to enthuse the Villa fans. Giving the ball away in a dangerous area just a few minutes in certainly didn't help. Reasonably solid in defence but didn't offer a huge deal going forward. 6

Diego Carlos - The Brazilian was called into action earlier than he would have liked after Konsa's injury, but he once again put in a very solid performance as he did against Bayern Munich. Confidence seems to be back and it is telling in his one-on-one defending. Didn't give Hojlund or Zirkzee a sniff. 8

Pau Torres - Torres, as he so often does, threaded a number of superb passes through the lines to break the United press. Looking slightly tired, he gave the ball away more often than usual, but again didn't really put a foot wrong. 7

Lucas Digne - The French full-back was wasteful from set-pieces and played below his usual standard. He had a fairly comfortable afternoon in defence, but wasted too many opportunities in attack. 6

Youri Tielemans - Proving to be one of Villa's brighter sparks, Tielemans controlled the game nicely in midfield. 8

Ross Barkley - Making his first league start of the season, the former Luton man looked comfortable in possession and did his chances of starting more regularly no harm. 7

Morgan Rogers - Rogers had an afternoon to forget by his high standards. As usual, he put himself in brilliant positions to pick the ball up and drive at the opposition defence, but he lost possession too often and wasted good crossing opportunities in the final third. 5

Leon Bailey - Clearly not 100% fit, Bailey struggled as he did in midweek. Villa fans are used to getting out of their seats when Bailey has the ball, but he failed to make an impact or pose any threat down the wing in this game. 5

Jaden Philogene - Philogene again proved to be one of Villa's better players. Although he didn't carry a huge threat in the attacking sense, he did a very good job out of possession and was unlucky to see his effort in the dying moments blocked by the defender. 7

Ollie Watkins - The England international worked hard but for very little reward. His only shot on goal came from the right-hand side of the box, a speculative effort that flashed over the bar. A quiet afternoon. 6

Jhon Duran - As he has done all season so far, Duran looked lively off the bench. Dropping deep to collect the ball and make things happen he got Villa into good areas. No real chance to have a shot in front of goal. 7

Ian Maatsen - Replaced Lucas Digne with around ten minutes left to play and created Villa's best opportunity of the afternoon. He will be pushing to start against Fulham. 6

Man of the Match

UTV