In theory it was a crossing opportunity, at least. Lucas Digne bends right into the breadbasket of Andre Onana.

A deep cross bounces away off the laces of Leon Bailey, who is unable to bend his foot around the ball.

Harry Maguire soon grants Aston Villa another crossing opportunity, though, as he raises an arm to block the path of Ollie Watkins. Into the book he goes.

So far, so good for United. A largely uneventful start has been notable for a couple of fine interceptions by Jonny Evans, who has brought more solidity so far than De Ligt and Martinez did against Porto. Marcus Rashford has looked a threat on the break, too, though the yellow card Christian Eriksen collected is a concern. He looks understandably reluctant to make a challenge now.

Nope. Two meek deliveries and away come Manchester United, with Youri Tielemans fouling Rasmus Hojlund.

Can that get Aston Villa going? Youri Tielemans’ shot is blocked behind to win a corner.

It’s all been a bit scrappy so far, Aston Villa short of their usual control, Manchester United looking very much like a side snatching at everything, knowing the likely stakes. Alejandro Garnacho both wins the ball and loses it inside the home box.

A loose touch from Ross Barkley, arriving on the fringes of the box but unable to take a shooting opportunity due to a leaden toe.

Morgan Rogers scuttles past Christian Eriksen, who in the end does well not to foul the dynamic Aston Villa man after that earlier caution. Eriksen instead allows Jonny Evans to do the tackling, the Northern Irishman performing his duties with a forthright, firm slide.

Erik ten Hag has added a padded jacket to the matching gilet as he keeps warm, the Manchester United manager not feeling the heat. His side look much more settled today than in recent games, though Aston Villa haven’t maybe yet tried to move up through the gears.

Harry Maguire roars an appeal at the referee having headed against the hand of Morgan Rogers at the far post. It’s not a penalty – at all – as the video assistant soon confirms.