‘Long-term project’ – Ten Hag stresses he has INEOS’ support after Aston Villa draw

Erik ten Hag is still of the belief that Manchester United are improving despite a goalless draw with Aston Villa.

United earned a clean sheet and a point against an in-form Aston Villa. The result should ease pressure on Erik ten Hag ahead of the international break.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in attendance at Villa Park to see the 0-0 draw alongside Sir Dave Brailsford and Omar Berrada. Their attendance may have added to the pressure put on the manager to get a result.

After the game, Ten Hag was defiant as he stressed he has the trust of the club’s hierarchy.

“We always speak, every week we speak,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.

“We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through it’s a long-term process.

“We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team, we showed the belief and faith we have.”

“We know we have a lack of goals at the moment, it’s not a good start” 🗣️

Erik ten Hag reacts to Man United’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa 🔴 pic.twitter.com/iQzq4ZoayA

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2024

The best chance of the game came from Bruno Fernandes, who hit the crossbar with a free-kick in the second half.

Marcus Rashford also made the Villa goalkeeper work, but it wasn’t enough for United to take the lead at Villa Park.

Ten Hag focused on his side’s defensive display, with Jonny Evans picking up the Man of the Match award.

“I think it’s the fourth clean sheet this season,” he added. “You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined, resilient.

“We almost didn’t concede a chance, when you defend like this and get some luck, in the end they had a big chance but it was almost the only chance I think.

“We created some chances, also not so many chances. We hit the crossbar and also Rashford had chances. But the two teams were really balanced.

“In Porto our build-up was brilliant, so good in the first 25 minutes, we out-played Porto. Also Palace, in possession we were so good, we have had games this season where we are good. But today we didn’t create too many chances, but also we played a great team.

“We create loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration Hojlund is returning, he’s still coming up to full fitness. But others are stepping up. I was impressed from Rashford, also Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end.”

United are positioned 14th in the Premier League as a result.

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