Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday when they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa.
The Red Devils dumped the Villans out of the FA Cup third round on Monday after recording a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, thanks to a first-half header from Scott McTominay.
Ralf Rangnick wanted a response after the 1-0 defeat to Wolves in the Premier League. While his side were not entirely convincing against Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa, he would have been delighted with his team’s progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Manchester United Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo missed the FA Cup win over Aston Villa with a hip complaint but he is confident to be available for the upcoming league fixture at Villa Park. Phil Jones, Jadon Sancho, and Harry Maguire should also be cleared to make the matchday squad.
Diogo Dalot sustained a freak gash to his ankle during the game against Villa, but he is likely to be available for selection.
Away days are 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 💪
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 15, 2022
However, Manchester United will be without Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay (suspension), and Eric Bailly and Hannibal Mejbri (AFCON) for the Premier League game at Villa.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea has been in outstanding form this season and is a big reason why Manchester United don’t find themselves in the bottom half of the table. The Spaniard will start in goal at Villa Park.
Defence
Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof were constantly kept on toes by Villa strikers Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings in the FA Cup fixture at Old Trafford. While Manchester United managed to escape with a clean sheet, Varane and Lindelof will need to do better to keep the Villa forwards at bay.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Aston Villa
Diogo Dalot completed 90 minutes on Monday despite sustaining a nasty ankle injury, and his recent performances at right-back should be enough to keep Aaron Wan-Bissaka out of the Manchester United lineup. Given Luke Shaw’s suspension, Alex Telles naturally starts at left-back on Saturday.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic is likely to take the suspended Scott McTominay’s spot in central midfield. The Serb will partner Fred, with the duo tasked to protect Manchester United’s shaky backline. Bruno Fernandes will once again be the creative nucleus of the side, and regardless of his performance levels dipping in recent months, he remains a key player in Rangnick’s high-pressing system.
Attack
Marcus Rashford has gone off the boil lately and there are chances of him dropping out of the Manchester United lineup, with Jadon Sancho replacing him on the left flank. Mason Greenwood will retain his spot on the right flank and will be joined by Cristiano Ronaldo in the Manchester United attack against Villa.