Manchester United are getting ready to face Aston Villa this weekend less than two months after the remarkable Boxing Day meeting between the two sides.
Unai Emery’s men scored twice in the first half of that game and it looked like they were cruising to a win and United were on track toward another humbling defeat in a wretched first half of the season.
The Reds did, however, turn that game around in stunning fashion, with Ramus Hojlund scoring a late winner with his first Premier League strike.
Since then, United have struggled with consistency and Aston Villa are continuing their push for a top-four finish. The circumstances are different going into this Sunday’s game.
Ten Hag has been able to welcome a host of his first-team players back since that game but he will be without some notable names.
Lisandro Martinez only recently made his return from a long-term injury but sustained a serious knee injury in the 3-0 win over West Ham last weekend.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another player who has recently returned from injury but the right-back suffered a setback recently.
Mason Mount has not featured for the Reds since the 1-0 win over Luton Town in November and the England international is expected to miss this game as well. Tyrell Malacia will also miss the game as he is still to make his first appearance of the season due to a knee injury. Anthony Martial has also been ruled out.
