The clear show of unity and 'spirit' can't mask a lack of any real quality

IT can often be the gesture of a team at breaking point, a final show of public defiance when behind the scenes the walls are crumbling.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

For the first time this season, in the 11th game they have played, United's players came together for a pre-match huddle at Villa Park.

The last time all 11 players assembled for a huddle was ahead of the second half at Bournemouth in April, which was unconventional in itself. United managed to win that 45 minutes 1-0 and on Sunday they ground out a dire goalless draw against Aston Villa, so maybe it will become a more regular feature.

To opt for a huddle at this stage of the season is telling in itself. Everyone knew that this was a day when the manager's job was on the line.

Erik ten Hag got emotional when speaking to the players after a draw in Porto that yielded an equaliser late enough to feel like a win, but still managed to feel like a defeat.

United's players gathered near the centre circle for their show of unity but when Bruno Fernandes won the toss and told Villa to attack the Holte End in the first half, they had to move positions. Fernandes then joined the group and a few messages were relayed.

Judging by the spirit on show in the Midlands - if not the quality - it was no hollow gesture. It didn't look like a squad that had given up on their manager or had no fight left to give. This was an entirely unforgettable game but a team low on confidence did dig in and show some grit. It was a solid point, even if the performance, particularly in an attacking sense, felt underwhelming.