Erik ten Hag holds heated talks with Ruud van Nistelrooy amid Manchester United struggles | OneFootball

The under-fire Red Devils boss and his assistant were spotted in an animated discussion at Villa Park

In what was perhaps the only notable highlight from a drab 0-0 draw between Aston Villa and Manchester United on Sunday, Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy were seen engaging in an animated chat on the bench during the game.

Ten Hag gesticulated as he seemingly tried to make his point, and appeared to be less than impressed by the end of the conversation.

The Dutchman is under serious pressure for his job as his United side continue to struggle. The draw at Villa Park means United have just eight points from their opening seven top-flight games of the season, a new low in the Premier League era for the 20-time champions.

Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy engaged in an animated discussion on the Manchester United bench at Villa Park

Sky Sports

It was also the fourth time his 14th-place side have failed to score in the league already this season, with winless Southampton the only team to have scored less than their five goals so far.

Van Nistelrooy, who returned to United in the summer, has been linked with a potential interim role as United boss if Ten Hag is dismissed.