Maguire provides an ideal response
It was another mixed reception for Harry Maguire when he was announced at the Optus Stadium, with a chorus of boos and cheers accompanying his introduction over the PA system.
Erik ten Hag challenged the Manchester United captain to silence the boo boys with his performance on the pitch after he was jeered earlier in the week and his response against Aston Villa was emphatic.
The England international almost netted from a corner in the opening moments of the match and grew into the game with his commanding tackling and impressive distribution, before a crucial goal line clearance in the second-half.
PLAYER RATINGS: Sancho and Fred good vs Aston Villa
Some supporters might not approve, but the manager's word is all that matters, and he is quite clearly a fan.
Formation change
Donny van de Beek came in for the injured Scott McTominay and Ten Hag took the chance to test a slightly different formation with an attacking axis rather than a defensive one.
Fred operated as the lone holding midfielder, with Van de Beek and Bruno Fernandes utilised in the twin attacking roles further up the pitch.
Ten Hag admitted Van de Beek's best role was as that of an attacking midfielder, and rather than be a replacement for Fernandes he might find football as a partner for him.
Fredded through pass
The second goal might go down as an own goal, but Fred deserves to be recognised for his key role in making it happen. The Brazilian split open the Villa defence with an expertly weighted through ball that unleashed Jadon Sancho through on goal before his pass to Marcus Rashford was turned into the net by a defender.
There has always been a question mark about Fred's long-term role in the United side, but he has proven yet again that he is capable of the 'controller' role Ten Hag wants to be filled.
United's desire is to sign a new midfielder before the window closes, though they can't overlook the untapped quality already at their disposal.
Hannibal shows his temper
It might be a pre-season match, but that doesn't mean it has to be a friendly. United made wholesale changes in the second-half and gave many of their youngsters a chance to impress against experienced Premier League opponents.
Hannibal was utilised in a makeshift centre-forward role, and in order to cope with the physical test, he fought back with his own aggressive approach.
From the minute he came on, he got involved in a tussle near the corner flag and, minutes later, kicked out at Ashley Young following a robust challenge. There were further combative moments as he slid in on 'keeper Robin Olsen
This tenacity is so crucial to his approach, but as seen at Anfield back in April, it can also sometimes be a problem. Ten Hag needs to find a way to channel that frustration and harness his raw potential.
Bailly furious at the late goal
Results aren't crucial in pre-season, but performances are, and United's draw with Villa will have left a sour taste in the mouth for the way in which a late goal was leaked.
David de Gea had already flapped at a corner earlier in the match but was let off when nobody managed to connect with the loose ball that bounced across the box.
In the dying seconds of the match, his luck was up as Calum Chambers headed into the back of the net to salvage a draw. Eric Bailly was visibly frustrated at the manner of the goal and as he walked off the pitch, he took his anger out on a plastic chair that got booted into the air.
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