Aston Villa vs Manchester United Preview
By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01
After an exhilarating 3-3 draw in the Europa League and yet another red card, Manchester United now brace for a crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park this Sunday. With the international break looming, this match might have far-reaching implications, especially for Erik ten Hag’s future. Will he remain at the helm, or is his tenure nearing its end?
Rumors swirl around Old Trafford, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other INEOS executives are expected to attend the match. Their presence could mark a turning point for the manager’s fate. INEOS, poised to revamp the club’s infrastructure, backroom staff, and stadium, know that choosing the right manager is vital to their long-term success. While publicly declaring their support for Ten Hag, it’s unclear how much longer that backing will last. Fans are hopeful about the INEOS era but recognize that this upcoming decision may define the club’s future.
United’s European campaign midweek raised further doubts. Despite a two-goal lead, the Red Devils conceded three times, settling for a draw after Bruno Fernandes saw red yet again. This marked the second consecutive game the captain has been sent off, leading many to question his leadership and the overall discipline in the squad. Has the captain’s armband become a burden, or is it reflective of deeper issues within the team?
Defensive lapses continue to plague United, especially in European fixtures where they’ve conceded three or more goals in four consecutive away games. Dalot’s defensive positioning has been called into question, frequently leaving gaps as he pushes into midfield. These tactical shortcomings are fueling criticism of Ten Hag’s approach, particularly when rival clubs under new management already display a clear identity.
Domestically, Manchester United’s Premier League form has been shaky at best. With just two wins, three losses, and a draw, they find themselves 13th in the table, holding a negative goal difference of -3. While Ten Hag remains insistent that the board and staff are behind him, his repeated calls for more time are beginning to sound like a broken record. As pressure mounts, many fans believe that a poor result against Villa could be the catalyst for managerial change.
Adding to Ten Hag’s worries is United’s need for defensive reinforcements, particularly on the left side, where Dalot’s struggles have been evident. The fans, increasingly frustrated, hope for a result this weekend, but some have begun to speculate that a loss might expedite the change they’re seeking.
However, there’s a glimmer of hope for United. They’ve managed back-to-back clean sheets away from home in the Premier League, a feat not achieved since March 2021. A third successive shutout would provide some much-needed relief to a beleaguered Ten Hag.
The question remains: will the players rally behind their manager, or have they already given up? Sunday’s match will provide answers as they face the tactical genius of Unai Emery and his in-form Aston Villa. Villa, fresh off a stunning Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, are enjoying their best Premier League start since the 2008-09 season under Martin O’Neill. With four wins, one draw, and just one loss, Villa sit comfortably in fifth place, but they could have been challenging for the top spot if not for a draw at Portman Road.
Villa Park has become an impenetrable fortress under Emery, where they’ve accumulated 74 points since November 2022—only Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have earned more at home in that period. With an impressive home win percentage of 66%, Emery is second only to Tony Barton in Villa’s top-flight history.
Villa’s striking duo of Duran and Watkins will look to exploit United’s vulnerable defense. Under Ten Hag, the Red Devils have suffered eight losses by three or more goals, a worrying statistic that adds to the manager’s woes. Only Gary O’Neil and Sean Dyche have faced more such defeats since the start of the 2022-23 season.
United were the only team to beat Villa home and away last season. Can they repeat that feat, or will Villa continue their stellar run? All eyes are on Villa Park this Sunday for what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.
Manchester United record against Villa:
| Games won: | 106 |
| Games drawn: | 41 |
| Games lost: | 51 |
Team News:
(As at today 6/10/2024)
Aston Villa: Tyrone Mings (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee) and John McGinn (thigh) remain out of contention for Emery, Onana and Ramsey might be available.
Manchester United: Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia remain unavailable. Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount might be available.
Prediction:
I don’t see the Red Devils leaving with a point. The dressing room and fan base seem lost.
Aston Villa 3-0 Manchester United.
What do you think the scoreline will be? Share your predictions below!