Man Utd predicted line-up vs Aston Villa as Erik ten Hag makes some dramatic changes
A very different Manchester United side will take to the pitch for their second game against Aston Villa in five days.
The Red Devils suffered a disappointing loss to the Midlands side in the Premier League on Sunday and will be out for revenge on Thursday night. Unai Emery’s side travels to Old Trafford for a Carabao Cup third-round clash against Erik ten Hag’s men.
With United facing a quick turnaround before their final top-flight game ahead of the World Cup, Ten Hag is expected to field a much-changed line-up. That will start with his goalkeeper, David de Gea, likely being rested after starting every game so far this term.
In his place will be Martin Dubravka, who is still yet to make an appearance since joining United on loan in the summer. Dubravka is a vastly-experienced keeper and the clash with Villa is the perfect chance to give De Gea a break from his run in the team.
Diogo Dalot is likely to keep his place at right-back, despite putting in a poor performance in the defeat to Villa. The Portuguese international is suspended for Sunday’s trip to Fulham, meaning Ten Hag is unlikely to risk back-up Aaron Wan-Bissaka getting injured before that game.
Lisandro Martinez is in line for a rest though after featuring in every United game so far this season. In the Argentine’s place, Harry Maguire will start alongside Victor Lindelof at centre-back, in what could be his last club appearance before the World Cup.
Like Dalot, Luke Shaw also endured a poor afternoon at Villa Park before he was hauled off. That disappointing display will see Tyrell Malacia replace him in the line-up for Thursday’s Carabao Cup clash.
Having started the last nine games in succession, Casemiro is finally due to have a rest, with Christian Eriksen also likely to drop out of the starting line-up. Instead, a central midfield partnership not seen since the opening day of the season will start.
That will come in the form of Fred and Scott McTominay, who have not started a game together since the hammering against Brighton back in August. There will also be changes in attack, with an entire new front four set to be selected.
Highly-rated youngster Facundo Pellistri will start at right wing for his first appearance of the season. Bruno Fernandes was suspended for the defeat by Villa but will come back into the line-up in central attacking midfield.
On the left, Anthony Elanga will replace fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho, as he looks to force a way into Ten Hag’s plans. And the final change will come up-front with Cristiano Ronaldo dropped in favour of Anthony Martial after a dreadful afternoon in Birmingham on Sunday.
Expected Man Utd XI v Aston Villa: Martin Dubravka; Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia; Fred, Scott McTominay; Facundo Pellistri, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga; Antony Martial
