Manchester United XI vs Aston Villa: Reds go full-strength after losing key defender

Manchester United take on Aston Villa in the Premier League this evening.

The Reds defeated West Ham 3-0 last weekend thanks to a goal from Rasmus Hojlund and a brace from Alejandro Garnacho. The young Danish striker goes into today’s game after scoring four goals in his last four appearances.

Erik ten Hag has a close to fully-fit squad but the news that we will be without Lisandro Martinez for at least two months comes as a massive blow. A win today would ensure that momentum keeps building as we push for a place in the top four.

However, Villa are enjoying their best season for years and that is reason to be wary of their threat. They go into the game looking for revenge after United’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over them on Boxing Day at Old Trafford.

Andre Onana will start between the sticks for United.

Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will operate the full-back roles, while Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire partner one another at centre-back.

Casemiro will lead the way for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, and Bruno Fernandes will be tasked with pulling the strings in the final third. The Portuguese Magnificio will be looking for his eight goal in this fixture.

It will be interesting to see how our midfield operates without Lisandro Martinez’s fizzing balls into their feet. Hopefully our transitions aren’t slow or break down early as a result of his absence today.

The front three will consist of Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford.

Manchester United XI vs Aston Villa: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Garnacho, Hojlund, Rashford.

🚨 Your United XI to take on Aston Villa 👇#MUFC || #AVLMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 11, 2024

This is a huge game for United’s hopes of Champions League football. By 7pm they could either be rejuvenated or dead in the water.

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