Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces a critical moment as his team prepares for a crucial Premier League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday. Under immense pressure, Ten Hag desperately needs a positive result after a series of poor performances. Both teams are set for a crucial clash defining Ten Hag’s future at Manchester United.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Preview
United squandered a two-goal lead and managed only a 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, shortly after Aston Villa pulled off a major upset by beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly observing closely, a poor result against Villa could spell the end for Ten Hag, who is already on thin ice after surviving earlier scrutiny at Old Trafford.
United seemed to be in control against Porto, leading by two goals, but a header from Pepe and two strikes from Samu Omorodion turned the match around. Only a late goal from Harry Maguire salvaged a point for the Red Devils. This came from a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham, where Bruno Fernandes’ controversial red card decision added to their woes.
Match Details
Match: Manchester United @ Aston Villa
Stadium: Villa Park
Date & Time: Oct 6, 2024 at 2 pm UK
Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Team News & Head-to-Head
Aston Villa
Meanwhile, Aston Villa enters the match with momentum after their 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Jhon Duran’s goal, lifting the ball over Manuel Neuer, sealed the upset, further fueling Villa’s strong form. Emery’s team has won six of their last seven games in all competitions, though a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town in their last league game slightly dented their otherwise impressive record.
Aston Villa may miss Jacob Ramsey, Amadou Onana, and Leon Bailey due to injuries despite these setbacks.
Manchester United
Currently 13th in the Premier League, United have managed just three wins from their opening ten games this season, a dismal record that many believe justifies Ten Hag’s potential dismissal. However, the Dutchman can take some comfort from back-to-back away clean sheets in the league against Crystal Palace and Southampton, something they haven’t achieved since March 2021.
Ten Hag’s side will be without key players like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. The Reds are also going to miss out on Leny Yoro.
Head-to-Head
Villa sits fifth in the Premier League and would be closer to the top if not for the dropped points against Ipswich. However, their recent record against United has been poor, losing their last four meetings. United narrowly won 2-1 at Villa Park in February, with Scott McTominay scoring the decisive goal.
Possible Starting XI
Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Rogers, Barkley, Tielemans, Philogene; Duran, Watkins.
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Dalot; Eriksen, Ugarte; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United: Prediction
An interesting Premier League fixture awaits involving these two great sides. Manchester United is expected to get back to winning ways, but anything can happen. Villa, currently in solid form, can also put up a show against Erik ten Hag’s struggling side. We will have to wait until Sunday afternoon to find out who comes at the top to secure the points.
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