Manchester United vs Aston Villa | Teams News and Predicted Line-up

Following a disruptive week in the Manchester United dressing room, the Red Devils return to action as they look to redeem themselves in Monday’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa. After the turgid loss against Wolves resulted in the players being scathed for their recent displays, Ralf Rangnick and his men will be hoping to instil confidence, with hopes of securing a domestic trophy at the end of the campaign.

Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United vs Aston Villa — Image Obtained via Goal.com

Having been unceremoniously knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the early stages, the FA Cup provides the club with their most realistic opportunity of securing a trophy in the current campaign. However, being amongst the unfavoured challengers for the competition, Manchester United will be wary of their inconsistent series of performances and will be keen to deliver a promising result against Aston Villa.

Ralf Rangnick is expected to field a strong line-up with minimal rotation, amidst the need to improve results and will be hoping to avoid a dampening result on Monday. Most key players are likely to hold onto their spots, with changes expected to be made only along the defensive line and midfield for tomorrow.

Manchester United Starting XI Against Aston Villa

Yet to gain consistent results despite a supposed change in approach, the German manager will be hoping to inspire the Red Devils to deliver a convincing performance in the FA Cup tie. The team have displayed very poor performances in recent weeks and much remains to be seen of a star-studded United side yet to convince many of their potential over the remainder of the campaign.

Goalkeeper

Dean Henderson (GK) – Having been reduced to second-choice given David De Gea’s impressive form, Henderson is expected to remain United’s keeper for cup competitions for the remainder of the Season. Given his lack of game-time, it remains to be seen if the Englishman displays a composed performance on Monday.

Dean Henderson, Manchester United vs Aston Villa — Image Obtained via The Busby Babe

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (RB) – With the team in need of dynamic full-backs, Dalot is expected to retain his spot against the Clarets. Given Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s limited attributes, the Portuguese right-back will be keen on displaying an impressive performance to carve out his place in the playing XI in the coming months.

Raphael Varane (RCB) – Varane is slowly regaining full match-fitness and will be keen on contributing to United’s defensive solidity moving forward. With the team yet to find stability across the pitch, the Frenchman remains a key figure in the team’s defensive line.

Harry Maguire (LCB) – Maguire’s place in the side is growing increasingly questionable given his inconsistent form. However, the English centre-back remains amongst the team’s first-choice centre-backs moving forward, despite his underwhelming displays.

Alex Telles (LB) – Since it’s a cup competition, Luke Shaw is expected to be amongst the substitutes. Telles will be hoping to deliver a notable performance on Monday as competition for both full-back positions grows. The Brazillian left-back will be keen on consolidating his starting spot over the coming weeks.

Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CDM) – Although amongst the team’s inconsistent performers, McTominay will retain his spot in the starting lineup due to a shortage in personnel for the position. With the club unlikely to deliver signings in January, the Scotsman is likely to remain a critical part of the team moving forward.

Fred (CM) – Dropped due to his poor performances, Fred is likely to be included in the starting line-up for the Manchester United vs Aston Villa game. Although the team have lacked his tenacity in the recent outings, it remains to be seen if the Brazilian can deliver a convincing performance on Monday and retain his spot over the coming weeks.

Donny Van De Beek (RAM) – Yet to get an opportunity since Rangnick’s arrival, the Dutchman will be hoping to deliver a promising performance on Monday. The team needs a disciplined and well-rounded midfielder and the game against the Clarets will be a golden opportunity for Van de Beek to prove his worth for a starting spot going forward.

Bruno Fernandes (LAM) – With the team in need of a creative presence within the final third, Fernandes is expected to retain his starting spot against Villa. Yet to find consistency despite his contributions, the Portuguese international will be keen on making a positive contribution to the result.

Forwards

Cristiano Ronaldo (RF) – The team is in dire need of his services and Ronaldo will be keen on leading an upturn in United’s results in the upcoming fixtures. The Portuguese forward needs to find the back of the net consistently and improve his contributions over the remainder of the campaign.

Mason Greenwood (LF) – Amongst the few promising performers for Manchester United in recent weeks, Greenwood is likely to retain his place in the playing XI against Aston Villa. The youngster will be looking to display consistent performances in the coming weeks to demand a place in the first team on a regular basis.