Manchester United battled to earn a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday to ease some of the sack pressure on Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils went into the game knowing defeat would represent a catastrophe for their under-pressure manager.
And United were good value for their point, with the fallen giants playing well for large spells.
GB News now takes a look at four things we learned from the clash.
Ten Hag sack pressures eases slightly
Man Utd news: Sack pressure on Erik ten Hag has eased slightly following his side’s goalless draw with Aston Villa
REUTERS
Ten Hag insists he’s the right man for the job at United. If his side perform like this more often, maybe he won’t be relieved of his duties after all.
It was hardly vintage from the Red Devils but they performed far better than many were expecting.
Ten Hag, of course, isn’t out of the woods just yet. With the international break now nigh, there’s still a possibility the club will opt to part ways with the Dutchman.
By avoiding defeat, however, he’s managed to avoid more humiliation for his side.
Villa not quite at the races
While United performed well, Villa looked leggy.
Certainly, they were far flatter than on Wednesday night when a late goal from Jhon Duran gave them a historic 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
There was, of course, always bound to be some drop-off in performance levels given how much they put into that win.
Villa may struggle to compete all fronts this season, with their European involvement stretching their squad.
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United have more injury woe to contend with
Injuries have been a common occurance during Ten Hag’s time in charge of United.
Especially over the past 18 months or so.
And the sight of Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui hobbling out of the showdown doesn’t bode well.
Both players had been performing well for United – yet the club will face an anxious wait on the pair during the upcoming international break. They’ll need everybody available in order to climb up the Premier League table.
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Man Utd news: Marcus Rashford was fortunate to avoid being sent off during his side’s match with Aston Villa on Sunday
REUTERS
Marcus Rashford cut a frustrated figure throughout the showdown.
After being hooked at half time during the club’s 3-3 Europa League draw with Porto, he was keen to show his quality at Villa Park.
Yet Rashford looked angry throughout the match and was extremely fortunate to avoid being sent off, having already been on a yellow by the time he sliced Leon Bailey down.
It was no surprise to see Ten Hag withdraw the 26-year-old just moments later and the forward’s body language paints a picture of a man at odds with the world at the current moment in time.
When do the teams play next?
Man Utd news: Aston Villa weren’t quite at their brilliant best during Sunday’s showdown in the Midlands
PA
Villa are next in action against Fulham on October 19 (3pm).
As for United, they’ll be hoping to pick up a much-needed victory when they go up against Brentford on that same day (3pm).