Manchester United XI vs Aston Villa: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Huge pressure on Erik ten Hag to make the right choices with his Old Trafford future potentially on the line

Bruno Fernandes is available for Manchester United at Aston Villa after his red card against Tottenham was rescinded on appeal.

The availability of Fernandes is a major boost for under pressure Erik ten Hag, who is facing arguably one of his most important team selections in charge of United.

Kobbie Mainoo is a doubt after missing the midweek Europa League draw at Porto.

Matthijs de Ligt has been subject of criticism for his poor form and Ten Hag is facing calls to restore fit-again Harry Maguire to his defence after his late equaliser in Portugal.

United have conceded six goals in two matches in the past week but options for defensive changes are limited with Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia all still unavailable.

Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are unlikely to be turned to as starting options, while Ten Hag is very short on full-back cover with right-back Diogo Dalot already filling in on the left.

If Mainoo is fit then he will return to the team and will likely be partnered by summer signing Manuel Ugarte despite his early struggles, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen not offering any more control in the middle against Porto.

Mason Mount missed the Porto game with a head injury sustained late on against Tottenham, but he avoided a concussion so could be available as another option in midfield.

Shock switch: Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time by Erik ten Hag against Porto

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The make-up of Ten Hag’s attack for such an important fixture will be fascinating.

Marcus Rashford opened the scoring against Porto and looked in good form before being surprisingly replaced at the break, with Ten Hag insisting afterwards that he took the decision to rotate Rashford and replacement Alejandro Garnacho with one eye on Villa.

You would expect both to start this weekend, though the versatile Joshua Zirkzee could be shifted out to one of the wide positions if Ten Hag would prefer to keep Rasmus Hojlund through the middle after he scored the second in Porto.

Predicted Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund

Injured: Yoro, Shaw, Malacia

Doubts: Mount, Mainoo

Time and date: 2pm BST on Sunday October 6, 2024

Venue: Villa Park

TV channel: Sky Sports