United face the prospect of penalties without Cristiano

Bruno Fernandes lashes the ball over the Villa goal in frustration after being flagged offside. The visiting fans respond with some ironic cheers. It seems like they have decided Fernandes is public enemy number one tonight. There's been no desire from Aston Villa to try and create something or risk the ball to create something. They've done anything but that so far, they're happy to play sideways or backwards but it's been pretty easy for Manchester United so far.

Villa are playing with a high line and being hit with a ball over the top. This time it finds Marcus Rashford. He releases the overlapping Tyrell Malacia down the left and his cross reaches Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese right-back heads goal-wards but it takes a deflection and goes over the top. The best moment of the game so far by miles. Villa captain John McGinn is lucky to not have his name taken for a late tackle on Diogo Dalot.

More related stories:

While Cristiano sits on the bench, the player who exasperates CR7 against Aston Villa

While he is selfish with Messi, what Mbappe did after Benzema's Ballon d'Or

Manchester United get a free-kick close to the touchline but Robin Olsen does well to get two hands to the cross from Bruno Fernandes and punch it well clear. It will be penalties if it's level at the end of 90 minutes so there will at least be some drama later on. But the first half was poor. Goalless, with only Scott McTominay's header off his own goal line from Douglas Luiz's in-swinging corner worth mentioning.

Boring first half

United have 59% possession and three shots on goal against Villa's two. Of those five shots only one has been on target. Five corners too with three going to United. The foul count is high at 13. Villa have six offences; United have seven. Martial plays alone up front for United, supported by Fernandes, van de Beek and Rashford. Fred and McTominay hold midfield. Maguire and Lindelof form the central pairing at the back.