Manchester United will travel to Villa Park today in a bid to spoil Unai Emery’s party as he takes charge of his first Premier League game as the Aston Villa boss.
Erik ten Hag’s men travelled to Spain to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday evening, with the Premier League giants needing to win the fixture by two goals to win their group. However, they could only manage a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad thanks to Alejandro Garnacho’s first-half strike, finishing second in the group as a result.
The Red Devils must quickly turn their focus to Aston Villa, who lie 16th in the table and just a point above the dreaded drop zone.
Manchester United Team News
Bruno Fernandes is set to miss the fixture against Aston Villa through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 1-0 win over West Ham last weekend.
Antony and Jadon Sancho missed the trip to Real Sociedad with knock and illness, respectively, while Anthony Martial is continuing his rehab work from a back problem and was not yet ready to be involved.
Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was back in the squad against Real Sociedad on Thursday after a long injury lay-off.
Predicted Man United Lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea has been in outstanding form in recent weeks, coming up with big moments in goal when called upon. He made a double save to deny Real Sociedad a goal in the first half on his way to a clean sheet in midweek, making his place in the team totally secured.
Defence
Victor Lindelof returned from illness against Real Sociedad and played 58 minutes before being substituted for Harry Maguire. Perhaps, it was a move from Ten Hag to keep Lindelof fresh and fit for the trip to Villa Park.
Lisandro Martinez is the natural choice to partner Lindelof in central defence in the Man United lineup, meaning Maguire will have to be content with a role as a substitute.
Diogo Dalot continues to impress at right-back and is primed for another start, with Luke Shaw retaining his place at left-back in the Man United lineup ahead of Tyrell Malacia again.
Midfield
Casemiro has really settled into life at Man United during recent weeks, and a series of accomplished performances mean he is now one of the first names on Ten Hag’s team sheet. With Casemiro acting as the defensive midfielder, Fred will get the license to make late runs into the box and impact play in the final third as well.
Bruno Fernandes’ suspension should open the door for Christian Eriksen to operate in the No.10 role in the Man United lineup, and the Danish international will be tasked with creating opportunities for his teammates in the final third.
Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo should spearhead the Man United attack again, hoping to get himself on the scoresheet against the Villans. Marcus Rashford is in red-hot form at the moment and is likely to start on the left flank in the Man United lineup after coming on as a substitute against Real Sociedad.
With Jadon Sancho and Antony doubts for the game, Ten Hag could go with Anthony Elanga on the right flank in the Man United lineup.
Donny Van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho could get involved in the latter stages.