Manchester United vs Aston Villa match preview: Red Devils look to get winning momentum back with big games looming
A bittersweet experience summed up Manchester United’s sensational 3-3 draw against Sheffield United last Sunday. Having been unable to win that game despite making a spectacular comeback, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side is hungry for a win.
The Norwegian has even rested nearly his entire first-team squad for the mid-week UEFA Europa League game against FC Astana, travelling instead with a very young side.
Usually this time of the year United fans are looking at latest Champions League betting, but the focus this year is on the Europa League which represents their best chance of a trophy this season.
With qualification to the next round in the bag, the United senior players have time to take a breather, but will aim to amplify up their intensity when Aston Villa come to town on Sunday.
Considering how easily Villa squashed away Newcastle United (a team the Red Devils couldn’t beat), they wouldn’t be the easiest opponent. Taking them lightly could be both Solskjaer and the side’s demise.
With the Norwegian proudly exclaiming how proud he is to be United manager during a period when his job is being constantly scrutinized with Mauricio Pochettino waiting in the wings, United must come up with another compelling win to silence the doubters.
The Villans have enough quality both forward and defensively to frustrate them. But with United’s own attacking trio blossoming into an unstoppable unit, they’ll be hungry to put on a spectacle at Old Trafford with games against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City looming.
Manchester United Predicted XI
De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Fred, Pereira, James, Lingard, Rashford, Martial.
Aston Villa Predicted XI
Heaton, Guilbert, Konsa, Mings, Targett, McGinn, Hourihane, Nakamba, El-Ghazi, Wesley, Grealish.
Key Clashes
Anthony Martial vs Tyrone Mings
Anthony Martial’s been the focal point of United’s success going forward this season, having contributed towards a goal in every match he’s started. He loves playing at Old Trafford and is hungry for a goal after last having scored against Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League.
With his precise finishing ability, quick link-up play and flash-like pace, he’ll cause Villa quite a lot of problems. But getting past the dominative Tyrone Mings is no piece of cake. The England International’s risen up a hard-hitting, commendable customer who rarely loses his marker.
He’s impressed with his compelling defensive attributes and knowing his aggressive nature, this should be a fiery clash.
John McGinn vs Fred
Perhaps in more than one way, John McGinn has the ingredients Manchester United’s midfield is woefully missing right now. After watching Sheffield United walk past their midfielders, the Scottish International will be licking his lips.
Not only an industrious figure in hunting down possession, McGinn has that attacking flair to surge upwards to score or set up goals as well. But Fred will look to prove why he’s no laughing matter.
The Brazilian shined in United’s last league game at Old Trafford and should look to pick up from where he left off. With Fred’s persistent pressing, relentless tackling nature clashing against McGinn’s spirited nature, the midfield battle’s a key point of interest in this game.
