Why Manchester United had pre-match huddle before Aston Villa match

Jonny Evans says Manchester United had a pre-match huddle before they faced Aston Villa as a display of unity after their disappointing start to the new season.

United made a change to their pre-match routine in the seconds before they kicked off at Villa Park, as club captain Bruno Fernandes brought his teammates together to offer a few words of encouragement in an impromptu huddle.

Erik ten Hag's side produced an improved defensive performance against Villa, but rarely troubled in attack during a dismal goalless draw on Sunday afternoon. Evans, 36, was the standout performer from either side during the match and afterwards he was quizzed on United's decision to form a huddle before kick-off.

"I don’t know who organised that, it wasn’t planned so I’m guessing it was Bruno," he said. "I’m sure Bruno, if he organised it, it was a way to get a message across before we went on the pitch. I’ve been involved in huddles in the past and it’s a way to come together before you go out and play."

Asked about the importance of squad unity after a difficult start to the season, the veteran defender added: "As a player you know what you’ve got to do. We’ve all been playing football for a long time. For us it’s about not giving in, sticking together. My experience is that you always show that on the pitch and it was pleasing we did that today. Villa are a good side, we’ve had to work very hard, we defended crosses well, we got blocks in, limited them a lot, they are good at set-pieces, quite inventive, I know the set-piece coach very well from internationals, he was involved with Northern Ireland for a long time, so I know he will have them well drilled and well set-up and I think he’s proven that over the years with a lot of variations and we had to be ready."