Scholes identifies Man Utd’s silver lining as Potter naming the star who produced a ‘masterclass’ against Villa

Paul Scholes thinks Man Utd will become “harder to play against” as they looked “a lot better and more organised” against Aston Villa.

On Sunday there was a 0-0 draw at high-flying Aston Villa leaving the Red Devils limping into the international break without a win in five games in all competitions.

Man Utd have managed just three wins all season and an eight-point lead from their opening seven league games is the club’s lowest tally at this stage of the season since they achieved seven in 1989–90.

Manager Erik ten Hag is under scrutiny but still believes he has the support of the club’s hierarchy, which meets on Tuesday for a pre-scheduled monthly meeting.

And Scholes tried to take some positives from their respectable draw at Villa Park, with Man Utd now looking better organized than in previous weeks.

Scholes told Premier League Productions: “I think they were a lot better and organised.

“They seemed harder to play against, harder to break through, which usually happens and is normally wide open.

“But I thought Mainoo and Eriksen next to him gave them a very solid platform.

“I also think they were helped by Villa’s game on Wednesday. I think it was a bit of a flat game from Aston Villa and I think United were trying to survive.”

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Graham Potter – who has been linked with the Man Utd job if Ten Hag is sacked – claimed Jonny Evans gave a “masterclass” in defending during the Red Devils’ goalless draw at Aston Villa.

Former Chelsea boss Potter singled out Evans, who produced a man-of-the-match show, for praise on Match of the Day 2. He said: “Sometimes in football it’s less important to be quick and more important to be on time to be.

“And in the right place on time.

“For all the young defenders watching, this was almost a masterclass in how to use your strengths and combat what the opponent can do to you.”

Experienced centre-back Evans – a surprise starter on Sunday – admits speculation “affects the players” but underlined the importance of unity.

“As a player you know what you have to do,” the 36-year-old academy graduate said after the draw. “We have all been playing football for a long time.

“For us it’s about not giving in, but sticking together. My experience is that you always show that on the field and it was a pleasure that we did that today.”