If you take out Manchester United's best summer signings, you get the same side as last season: It really is that simple. Unai Emery has returned to the Premier League, and for the most part on Thursday night, it felt like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had as well.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof started at the heart of the defence, and the often derided midfield pairing of Fred and Scott McTominay occupied the space ahead of them. That is a pretty apt description too, they didn't command the midfield, they simply existed for large parts of the game.
In the absence of defensive leader Lisandro Martinez, the backline lacked any bite, and there was also a noticeable lack of discipline as well. Ollie Watkins finished smartly for the opening goal of the game, but it was far too easy for Villa to carve open what was in front of them.
