Manchester United head to Villa Park this Sunday, facing Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League encounter. Erik ten Hag is under immense pressure following a string of poor performances, and a loss to Unai Emery’s high-flying side could put his job at risk.
Despite the club’s recent struggles, they’ll be hoping to get back on track with a strong performance in the Midlands.
Manchester United’s Struggles: Can They Turn It Around?
Manchester United find themselves in the midst of yet another crisis, with their form a shadow of what it once was. Draws against Porto and Newcastle, combined with a lackluster display against Tottenham, have left Erik ten Hag on the brink.
If United fail to deliver a win against Aston Villa, it could spell the end of Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford.
Injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued United, but they still have the talent to turn things around. With Bruno Fernandes back from suspension and the return of Rasmus Hojlund up front, there is some hope for improvement.
Aston Villa: Unai Emery’s Men in Fine Form
Aston Villa, on the other hand, are in great form. With Emery at the helm, Villa have become one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League.
Their attacking style has seen them pick up three wins in their opening six matches, and they sit comfortably in the top half of the table. Heading into this game, Villa will fancy their chances of inflicting more misery on Manchester United.
Villa will be eager to capitalize on United’s defensive vulnerabilities, and with players like Ollie Watkins and John McGinn in excellent form, they could cause serious problems for the Red Devils.
Manchester United Team News: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
One of the few pieces of good news for Manchester United is that Bruno Fernandes will be available after his suspension was overturned.
The Portuguese midfielder’s red card for a challenge on James Maddison last weekend has been rescinded, allowing him to play a pivotal role in United’s midfield.
However, there are still concerns for Ten Hag, especially in defense and midfield, where injuries have limited his options.
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Manchester United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Andre Onana – Despite United’s defensive issues, Onana has been solid in goal, and he’ll need to be at his best against Villa.
- RB: Noussair Mazraoui – After two below-par performances, Mazraoui will be looking to bounce back and provide some stability on the right flank.
- CB: Harry Maguire – With Matthijs de Ligt struggling, Maguire may come into the starting lineup after scoring a crucial equalizer against Porto.
- CB: Lisandro Martinez – Despite his struggles against Porto, Martinez will retain his spot, with Ten Hag lacking other center-back options.
- LB: Diogo Dalot – Dalot has adapted well to the left-back role and will be tasked with keeping Villa’s wide players quiet.
- DM: Kobbie Mainoo – Although Mainoo remains a doubt due to a slight injury, Ten Hag may rush him back for such an important game.
- DM: Christian Eriksen – Eriksen has been one of the few bright spots for United recently, and his playmaking ability will be crucial.
- RW: Alejandro Garnacho – Garnacho may replace Amad Diallo after Diallo’s start in the Europa League, providing pace and creativity on the right.
- AM: Bruno Fernandes – With his suspension lifted, Fernandes will be the key man in the middle of the park, tasked with creating chances.
- LW: Marcus Rashford – Despite being substituted early against Porto, Rashford should return to the starting XI as he looks to regain his form.
- ST: Rasmus Hojlund – The young striker is back in the lineup and will be eager to open his Premier League account.
At Jambobet, experts have analyzed Man Utd predicted lineup and are offering detailed insights into how Ten Hag’s team selection could influence the outcome of this critical game.
Aston Villa Team News: Ready to Attack
Aston Villa has relatively few injury concerns, with only Carlos Vinicius and Jorge Cuenca missing from the squad.
Raul Jimenez is in red-hot form, scoring four goals in his last six games, and he’ll lead the line once again. Supported by the likes of Adama Traore and Emile Smith Rowe, Villa’s attack will look to exploit United’s defensive frailties.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Emiliano Martinez
- RB: Matty Cash
- CB: Tyrone Mings
- CB: Pau Torres
- LB: Lucas Digne
- DM: Douglas Luiz
- DM: Boubacar Kamara
- RW: Adama Traore
- AM: John McGinn
- LW: Emile Smith Rowe
- ST: Raul Jimenez
With Aston Villa lineup analyzed, Jambobet is your go-to source for predictions on how Emery’s side will set up against Manchester United.
Predictions: Villa to Pile More Pressure on United?
While Manchester United is desperate for a win, Aston Villa’s form and confidence make them a tough opponent. United’s defense has looked vulnerable, and with Villa’s attacking power, the home side will likely create plenty of chances.
Jambobet’s Premier League predictions suggest a Villa 3-2 Man Utd scoreline, with both sides expected to find the net, but Villa’s form giving them the edge. Rasmus Hojlund may get on the scoresheet for United, but Villa’s relentless attack could prove too much for Erik ten Hag’s men to handle.
