Erik ten Hag names his six Man Utd leaders, but duo are destroyed by Ian Wright for shambolic displays in Villa loss

If the Red Devils won all three points at Villa Park, they would be able to climb into the top four. The confidence that Erik ten Hag’s team had built up in recent weeks was quickly shattered by a resurgent Villa. Indeed, United fell behind 2-0 after only 11 minutes, and there was no way back for the visitors.

The setback, United’s first in the Premier League since a 6-3 thrashing at the Etihad, drops them to fifth place. With a game in hand, they are three points behind Tottenham. However, due to their inferior goal difference to Spurs, they are unlikely to break into the top four before the World Cup.

Summer signing Casemiro embodied United’s awful performance at Villa Park.

Since joining United in a near-£70 million transaction, the Brazilian has been a rock-solid performer. The account of how a 4-0 setback at Brentford prompted him to join United can be found here.

In fact, his inclusion in the United squad can be attributed to the club’s recent success. However, it all crumbled when Casemiro put up his worst performance since joining the club.

At Villa Park, the former Real Madrid player won just one tackle and lost seven defensive duels. He also committed four fouls and allowed Villa much too much space.

While Christian Eriksen struggled, Wright felt Victor Lindelof was equally to blame for Villa’s opening goal.

Casemiro and Victor Lindelof were both critical.
“Ollie Watkins performed extremely well today, running himself into the ground.” It was going to be a problem once it got to Leon Bailey’s left foot. Wright told Premier League Productions, “[Watkins] dragged Lindelof out of his place.”

“I was thinking Casemiro should come in there.” It just appears to be overly big; there was a lot of room. It’s clear that if the ball had landed on Leon Bailey’s strong foot, it could have been prevented. They needed to be sharp in the situation.

“I’m shocked Casemiro didn’t notice.”

Ten Hag, United’s manager, called the setback to Villa ‘terrible,’ as Unai Emery got his Villa career off to a flying start.

“It’s not acceptable to surrender a goal on the counter so fast in the second half.” Our athletes have prior experience. You must read the game and organize it correctly. Not giving up two goals so early in the game is completely unwarranted.

“You must win your wars.” We could have started the game better on the ball. It all starts with the players adhering to the rules.

“They [Aston Villa] appeared to be fresher. That is unacceptable.

“Players must accept responsibility and be prepared.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will have been disappointed with the 3-1 defeat on the day he was anointed Manchester United captain.

Ten Hag asserts Manchester United has six captains.

In defending his decision to give him the armband, United boss David Moyes said the club has six players who he believes can lead the club.

“It’s about Harry Maguire,” Ten Hag explained. “Our captain, Bruno [Fernandes], is unavailable, and then there’s David de Gea: leader, but goaltender is far away from the outfield.” Then Casemiro is the leader, and Licha [Martinez] can be a leader because Casemiro does not speak flawless English. And then Cristiano is the leader, especially as the team leader, so he clearly has the band.”

In the absence of Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek had a rare start in the game.

However, the Dutchman’s performance did not inspire confidence. As a result, it came as little surprise that he was hooked after 65 minutes.

Ten Hag did not particularly mention Van de Beek after the game, but he did hint that some players on the team did not execute their duty.

“Bruno Fernandes is an important player, but what you’re looking for, no, I don’t have that sensation,” Ten Hag said when asked about Fernandes.

“It’s also about the players on the field having to win this game and doing their job.” We will win this game if they do their job completely, with passion and drive, while adhering to the laws and ideals of football.

“It’s always challenging to play with ten other people. It is not the team’s day to value an individual. And I believe we delivered a poor performance as a group.”