Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford this afternoon as the Reds look to solidify their spot in the top four
Manchester United continue their bid for Champions League football when they welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford. The game could not be more important for the Reds as they look to open up a three-point gap on the visitors.
After an 11-day break from competitive football, there could be understandable rustiness for United but they cannot allow Villa to gain a foothold. Michael Carrick is lacking defensive options with both Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez out. However, he is likely to stick with Noussair Mazraoui at right-back despite him picking up an injury at Newcastle.
Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are almost certain to complete the back four with Senne Lammens behind them. In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo will continue his renaissance alongside Casemiro. Both men are currently undroppable and while that’s a positive for Mainoo, it does spark a concerning transfer question as Casemiro prepares to leave in the summer.
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Captain Bruno Fernandes is the first name on the teamsheet and will start behind Benjamin Sesko. The striker struggled at Newcastle but will hope better service is provided for him today. United’s major selection decision comes out wide.
Bryan Mbeumo did not have the best of games at St James’ Park but, in fairness, there were few players who came out of that trip with credit. The former Brentford man has credit in the bank having scored nine goals in 24 Premier League matches, so he should keep his place.
On the other side, Matheus Cunha has struggled in recent matches. The Brazil international is better suited to the central role and that has caused problems for the Reds.
Cunha’s determination to cut inside has left United lacking width. If Patrick Dorgu was fit, he would be starting but his absence means Amad is the only option for that position.
Carrick believes Amad can play on the left wing but he has rarely played there during his career. For that reason, United’s interim head coach could play it safe and stick with Cunha.
United’s predicted XI vs Aston Villa: Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko