Manchester United will be hoping to bring some festive cheer to the table after losing 2-0 to Southampton on Saturday, as Erik ten Hag’s side prepare to face high-flying Aston Villa in the Premier League.
It promises to be a difficult game for United, although Villa visit Old Trafford after a scoreless draw with Sheffield United. That said they’ve amassed as many points as Liverpool after 18 league matches.
Meanwhile, United dominated some of the play in east London, but couldn’t take advantage of it as West Ham won 2-0. Two second half goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus ensured victory for the Hammers.
It was our 13th defeat of the season. A sorry state of affairs.
Without further ado, Manchester United have provided with some early team news ahead of the game against Villa.
Diogo Dalot missed the game against West Ham due to suspension after his shocking dismissal at Anfield, but the Portugal international has now completed his one-game suspension and can return on Tuesday night.
Midfielder Christian Eriksen made his eagerly awaited return from injury off the bench, while Rasmus Hojlund featured up front having overcome an illness in the week before the game.
Recent absentees Amad Diallo and Anthony Martial were both not involved in the matchday squad against the Hammers and it remains to be seen if they will be available this week.
Neither Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof are expected to return, although Raphael Varane should be back in the squad once he is fully recovered from illness.
Aston Villa team news
Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings are both in rehab recovering from long-term knee injuries suffered earlier this season. Boubacar Kamara is still suspended after he was sent off against Brentford and will play no part at Old Trafford.
Matty Cash is also suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last time out against The Blades. Furthermore, it’s unknown if Unai Emery will be without Pau Torres at the back.
Former Leicester City midfielder and United target Youri Tielemans still has issues with his calf and will be assessed before the match. The same applies to Bertrand Traore.
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