Manchester United visit Aston Villa this Sunday, in a game that could have a huge say on Erik ten Hag’s future.
Both clubs participated in Europe this week with Aston Villa recording a famous 1-0 win over German heavyweights Bayern Munich, whilst United found a late leveller earn a point at Porto.
Villa’s busy schedule has taken a toll on their players and Unai Emery could be without Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey after the pair were forced off against Bayern.
It’s good news for Ten Hag, who has captain Bruno Fernandes available for selection after his red card against Tottenham was rescinded.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United – Match Preview and Team News
Form
Aston Villa: WWWDW
The Villans achieved their greatest victory under Unai Emery on Tuesday night with a Champions League win over Bayern Munich.
‘Super sub’ Jhon Duran was Aston Villa’s saviour from the bench once again, as his instinctive and inspired long-range effort caught out Manuel Neuer.
MATCHDAY AT VILLA PARK! 💜#AVLMUN || #UptheVilla pic.twitter.com/OGTxRLRhaU
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 6, 2024
It has been a very successful few weeks for the Birmingham-based club, with two wins out of two in the Champions League, progression into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and a collection of league results that see them sat in fifth place.
Another three points this Sunday would see them go within two points of the league leaders, Liverpool.
Manchester United: WDDLD
The optimism around the club after their opening-day victory has dramatically plateaued in recent weeks, with the Red Devils struggling for confidence and results.
Their performance in midweek perfectly epitomised their fortunes this season as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Porto.
They raced into a two-goal lead, with Marcus Rashford and the returning Rasmus Hojlund catching out Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa at the near post with smart finishes.
Locked in 🔒#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/qBkdo8xEsk
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 4, 2024
But Ten Hag’s team collapsed as a quick-fire double from Pepe and Samu Omorodion drew the hosts level.
After the interval, Omorodion grabbed his second to complete the comeback and United’s night went from bad to worse when Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second successive game.
However, they would show some resilience as second-half substitute Harry Maguire rose highest from a corner in stoppage time to equalise and ensure his team went back home with a point.
That result means they are now winless in four matches and another defeat would see them go into the international break in 14th position in the league standings.
Last Meeting: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United, Premier League, 11th February 2024
A late Scott McTominay header earned United a narrow triumph at Villa Park the last time the two sides played each other.
The Scottish international, now at Napoli, connected strongly with a Diogo Dalot cross to thunder in the winner.
Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund had put his side in front in the first half as he beat the offside trap to tap home past Emiliano Martinez.
But the hosts restored parity midway through the second period with Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz smashing the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
Despite a flurry of chances, the winner proved elusive for Villa and their opponents made them rue those missed opportunities to take the points back to Manchester.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Rogers, Barkley, Tielemans, Philogene; Duran, Watkins.
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Eriksen, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.
Who is the referee?
Robert Jones is the match official. He will be assisted by Neil Davies and Akil Howson, whilst Simon Hooper is the fourth official. The VAR is John Brookes and he will be assisted by Gary Beswick.
What channel is Aston Villa vs Manchester United on?
Aston Villa vs Manchester United is available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra and Sky Sports Premier League.
What time is kick off?
Kick-off at Villa Park is at 14:00 BST on Sunday 6th October 2024.
Odds
Aston Villa – 6/5
Draw – 27/10
Manchester United – 2/1
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