Aston Villa vs Manchester United – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates

It’s now or never for Erik Ten Hag. After failing to secure a win in their last four matches, Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday. They face an in-form Aston Villa side, who defeated Bayern Munich in their midweek clash.

The pressure is really starting to build on Erik Ten Hag after a series of disappointing performances from Manchester United in recent weeks. The Red Devils are winless in their last four matches across all competitions and, to make matters worse, they’ve endured their joint worst start to a Premier League season. With just 7 points from 6 games, it’s been far from what fans expected. A win against Aston Villa could be crucial for Ten Hag’s future at the club. In fact, it wouldn’t be shocking if Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers sacking the Dutchman should United stumble again at Villa Park. 

On the flip side, Aston Villa look imperious at the moment. They have started the season in scintilating form, winning four and losing just once in their first six Prem games. And their success isn’t limited to domestic football—Unai Emery’s side has made a triumphant return to the Champions League after 42 years, with impressive victories over Bayern Munich and Young Boys. They will look to maintain this stellar form when United visit Villa Park on Sunday. This game promises to produce fireworks. So, fans should buckle up. 

Aston Villa vs Manchester United – Match Preview 

Erik Ten Hag might be walking on thin ice as Manchester United head into their crucial clash at Villa Park. If they fail to secure a positive result, he could very well become the first Premier League manager to be shown the door this season. Despite lifting two trophies—a Carabao Cup in 2022/23 and an FA Cup in 2023/24—United’s Premier League performances under Ten Hag have been underwhelming. But things have hit a new low at the start of the 2024/25 campaign. This Manchester United side has never looked more disjointed and off the pace, and their 3-0 humiliation at the hands of Tottenham at Old Trafford summed up the club’s current crisis – demotivated players, poor recruitment, and a coach who has run out of ideas.  

United come into this game on the back of a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League. The English giants held a two-goal advantage within 20 minutes thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund. However, Porto made a stunning comeback, as a goal from Pepe and two from Samu Omorodion completely flipped the script. But in the dying moments, Harry Maguire's 91st-minute header salvaged a point for United. Still, a stellar performance against Aston Villa at Villa Park could be the last throw of the dice for the Dutch head coach. Ten Hag has literally put all his eggs in one basket.  

On the contrary, Unai Emery is thriving in Birmingham. The Spaniard has completely revolutionized Aston Villa since taking the reins in October 2022. Under his guidance, Villa's rise has been remarkable, drawing envy from many Premier League rivals. In his first full season, Emery steered the club to an impressive 4th-place finish, ahead of heavyweights like Spurs, Chelsea, and Manchester United. While some fans feared that balancing Champions League commitments would weigh them down this season, Villa have handled the extra workload with ease. 

Currently, Aston Villa occupy the 5th spot in Premier League standings, having accumulated 13 points from six games. On the European Stage, Unai Emery’s men have made a perfect start, winning their first two games. They secured a commanding 3-0 win over Young Boys in their first UCL game in over 42 years. Then Villa followed that performance up with a thrilling 1-0 win over UCL royalty, Bayern Munich. Fresh off that historic win, Villa players will be confident of securing another famous win at Villa Park on Sunday. 

Aston Villa vs Manchester United – Team News and Updates 

Aston Villa's thrilling victory over Bayern Munich came with a hefty price tag, as unfortunate injuries struck the squad. Jacob Ramsey had to leave the field in the first half due to a troubling groin issue, and shortly after the hour mark, Amadou Onana was substituted because of tightness in his hamstring. Both midfielders' availability for Sunday’s clash remains uncertain. Leon Bailey, who stepped in for Ramsey, was also taken off later in the match, but that seemed to be more about managing his fitness than anything serious. Villa will have to navigate this challenge without key players like Tyrone Mings (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee), and John McGinn (thigh). In light of Ramsey's injury, Unai Emery might pair Duran with Ollie Watkins in attack. 

On the other hand, Bruno Fernandes just had his red card, and the subsequent three-game Premier League ban overturned. However, he still faced a sending-off in Porto after a high boot, but thankfully that suspension only affects Europa League matches. He’s available to face Villa, which is great news for the Red Devils. Unfortunately, Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Leny Yoro (foot) will miss out, and Mason Mount’s situation is being assessed after he took a knock and suffered a cut to the head in the match against Spurs. 

Kobbie Mainoo also had to come off during that 3-0 defeat and missed the matchday squad for the Europa League game, but he did train earlier this week and seems likely to make his return at Villa Park. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford showcased one of his best performances this season during the first half on Thursday before being subbed off for rotation reasons. He, along with Alejandro Garnacho, could be set to start on the wings, leaving Amad Diallo out of the lineup. 

Aston Villa vs Manchester United – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 6th October 2024 (Saturday) at Villa Park in Birmingham. The match will kick off at 6:30 PM (Indian Standard Time).    

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