Who will Erik ten Hag pick for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa?
Manchester United meet Aston Villa in the Premier League Sunday afternoon knowing that three points will virtually ensure Champions League football next season.
The 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur was seen as a missed chance, especially as the Red Devils were two goals too good at the break. A win would have put them nine points clear of their four main rivals, but Villa have now proved an unlikely contender.
Unai Emery has worked wonders since his appointment at Villa Park in October, pulling Midlanders out of a relegation battle to challenge from a European spot. The Spaniard has also been a thorn in United’s side over the years, guiding Villarreal to the Europa League in 2021 before seeing his Villa side emerge victorious in the pair’s previous league match in November.
The 20-times champions of England currently appear to be stumbling towards the finish line as a torrid series of matches overtake them. Erik ten Hag hopes he can reach his goal before the chasing group becomes a big problem.
The manager has no new injury concerns and is hopeful Harry Maguire is fit enough to rejoin the squad in the absence of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. Thursday’s performance was one of two halves and it is likely Ten Hag will look into the lack of impact of his substitutions ahead of this starting line-up decision.
David De Gea remains unchallenged in goal and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot could continue in their respective right and left full-back roles. This will allow Luke Shaw to partner Victor Lindelof following his Player of the Match performance in north London.
Casemiro looks certain to start despite his indifferent recent form and Christian Eriksen is the obvious choice to partner the Brazilian. Bruno Fernandes will captain the team from behind the top three.
Jadon Sancho will be relieved to be back on the scoresheet last time out and hopes it will be enough to keep his starting spot. Antony will start on the right, giving Marcus Rashford the chance to score his 30th goal of the season from a central position.
