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With both sides having been in European action in midweek, albeit to varying degrees of success, there was a lethargic feel to this clash.

Both sides went close early in the second half. Emiliano Martinez tipped over Marcus Rashford's fierce drive, while Youri Tieleman's long-range strike was pushed away by Andre Onana. 

Bruno Fernandes almost broke the deadlock in the 68th minute, the United skipper rattling the crossbar with a 25-yard free-kick.

Diogo Dalot made a vital intervention to block Jaden Philogene's stoppage-time effort, as neither team was able to find a breakthrough.

Unai Emery's side sits fifth on 14 points, while United is 14th on eight points, which is its lowest tally after seven matches of a Premier League campaign.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag insisted he and United's hierarchy are "all on board together" after the match.

"We always speak, every week we speak," he said. "We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through. It's a long-term process.

"I think it's the fourth clean sheet this season. You saw 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. At the end, they had a big chance [Diogo Dalot blocking Jaden Philogene's stoppage-time attempt], but I think it was almost the only chance.

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

Ten Hag acknowledged his players must show a greater cutting edge in attack.

"We have created loads of chances in our seven games, but we have to step up," he added.

"We know, at this moment, we have a lack of goals. In that perspective, it's not a good start. That's an area we have to improve."

Villa boss Emery said his side  "missed some energy" throughout the game.

"It is not the best result, but it's not the worst," the Spaniard said. "I think a draw is fair.

"We played the second half much better than the first and, at the end, we were close to winning the match [when Diogo Dalot blocked Jaden Philogene's stoppage-time shot]. We tried to score, but couldn't. 

"We missed some energy. Maybe it's because we have some players injured, some other players are also still improving."

It was the first 0-0 draw Villa have played out under Emery at Villa Park since he took over in November 2022.