Ten Hag Under Pressure as Manchester United Face In-Form Aston Villa
It’s crunch time for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who faces mounting pressure to turn the season around, with a tricky Premier League fixture against a high-flying Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday. While Unai Emery's side are riding high after a memorable Champions League win, United’s recent struggles have left them winless in four games across all competitions.
Match Preview
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are reeling from a frustrating 3-3 Europa League draw with Porto, where the Red Devils squandered a two-goal lead before Harry Maguire salvaged a late point. This came on the back of a demoralizing 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, a result compounded by Bruno Fernandes’ controversial red card – later overturned – and defensive woes that have seen United concede six goals in two games.
United's form is concerning, with only three wins from their first 10 Premier League matches, leaving them languishing in 13th place. While back-to-back clean sheets on the road against Crystal Palace and Southampton earlier in the season offer a glimmer of hope, Ten Hag knows a third consecutive away shut-out could be vital for his survival as manager.
In contrast, Aston Villa are riding high after pulling off a stunning 1-0 Champions League upset over Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Super substitute Jhon Duran’s composed finish stunned the German giants, continuing Villa’s superb form under Unai Emery, who has seen his side win six of their last seven games across all competitions.
Villa’s strong start to the Premier League campaign sees them sitting fifth, just shy of the top spots, and they will fancy their chances of maintaining that momentum at Villa Park, where they haven’t lost to United in their last three meetings.
However, Manchester United have had Villa’s number recently, winning their last four meetings, including a 2-1 victory at Villa Park in February courtesy of a Scott McTominay late winner. For Ten Hag, a similar result this weekend could buy him precious time as pressure continues to mount.
Team News
Manchester United will be without Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Leny Yoro due to injury, while Mason Mount faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock against Spurs. Bruno Fernandes is available for selection despite his red card in Europe, as his suspension applies only to the Europa League. Kobbie Mainoo could return to the squad, having resumed training, while Marcus Rashford is likely to start after being rested in the second half on Thursday.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, have injury concerns of their own. Jacob Ramsey was forced off with a groin issue during their win over Bayern Munich, and Amadou Onana is also a doubt due to a tight hamstring. Leon Bailey, who replaced Ramsey, was later taken off and may also miss out, while Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Tyrone Mings remain sidelined.
Possible Lineups
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
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