90min
·5 October 2024
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·5 October 2024
Manchester United find themselves in the midst of yet another crisis as they prepare to travel to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
The vultures are circling above Erik ten Hag and defeat at Villa Park this weekend could well spell the end of his time in the Man Utd dugout. Given the impressive form of Unai Emery's side and the disjointed recent displays of the Red Devils, losing in the Midlands is a distinct possibility.
Ten Hag has to ensure he gets his team selection right for an absolutely vital encounter, with injuries in defence and midfield serving up a few headaches. One positive piece of news is that skipper Bruno Fernandes is available after his red card suspension following a tackle on James Maddison last weekend has been rescinded.
Here is how Man Utd could line up this weekend.
Harry Maguire might replace Matthijs de Ligt / Soccrates Images/GettyImages
GK: Andre Onana - Despite Onana having often been the issue last season, the Cameroon international is one of the few to have escaped recent matches with his dignity intact. He's likely to be busy against an often devastating Villa side.
RB: Noussair Mazraoui - After an encouraging start to his Man Utd career, his form has reflected that of his teammates in the last two games. Having dropped stinkers against Tottenham Hotspur and Porto, he'll be seeking redemption.
CB: Harry Maguire - It wasn't all doom and gloom for Maguire after being snubbed for another England squad, with the centre-back scoring a late equaliser on Thursday night. The towering defender could well replace the out-of-form Matthijs de Ligt.
CB: Lisandro Martinez - Unfortunately, Martinez was also culpable of dropping a disasterclass against Porto, but Ten Hag's lack of centre-back alternatives ensure the Argentine's starting berth is safe for the time being.
LB: Diogo Dalot - Dalot has offered some encouraging performances this season in a less orthodox left-back role and will be tasked with keeping a combination of Villa's speedy attackers quiet.
DM: Kobbie Mainoo - After missing the draw with Porto with a slight injury issue, Ten Hag has confirmed that Mainoo remains a doubt for Sunday's game. Given its significance, however, he may be rushed back to action.
DM: Christian Eriksen - One man who has conjured up some form at the perfect time is veteran Eriksen, who added two more assists to his tally for the season in Portugal. The dismal form of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro makes him a shoo-in to start at Villa Park.
RW: Alejandro Garnacho - The young winger has been vying with Amad Diallo for a starting berth this season and given the Ivorian started at Porto, Garnacho may return to the XI on Sunday.
AM: Bruno Fernandes - With his suspension having been lifted, Fernandes is free to face Villa. Of course, he will miss United's next Europa League game after earning another red card in the 3-3 draw on Thursday.
LW: Marcus Rashford - A surprise substitution at half-time against Porto after a goal and an assist, Ten Hag cited a lack of defensive action for his withdrawal. As soon as the England international finds a shred of confidence, the Man Utd boss seems to bench him for some bizarre reason.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund - With Joshua Zirkzee having failed to live up to his debut goal in the following weeks, Man Utd were relieved to welcome Hojlund back to the starting XI on Thursday. Opening his account for the season will have boosted morale.