It’s win or bust for Erik ten Hag this weekend as Manchester United face an in-from Aston Villa.
After Manchester United drew 3-3 with Porto on Thursday, Erik ten Hag is under serious pressure to deliver a result against Aston Villa.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly going to be at Villa Park for the fated game which seems to have a lot riding on it. Ratcliffe has also been coy over Ten Hag and refused to back him during an interview on Friday.
So the way things are shaping up, defeat against Villa could be the deciding result which sees Ten Hag’s position at Manchester United become untenable.
Due to this, he will have to go strong against Unai Emery – a manager he has had success against recently – therefore here is our predicted line-up.
How Manchester United could line-up against Aston Villa
Ten Hag is expected to have the same group of players available this weekend that he had to face Porto.
So, therefore, here is how we have predicted United to line-up against Villa.
Andre Onana
For Andre Onana, this season personally has been solid, as he has been one of the best keepers in the league while having to face once again far too many opposition attacks.
Noussair Mazraoui
After an impressive start at United for Noussair Mazraoui, the past few weeks have been a struggle but we will need him on top form against Villa with Jacob Ramsey the dangerman.
Matthijs de Ligt
In central defence, Ten Hag will continue starting Matthijs de Ligt despite his struggles over the past two games, there have been calls to drop the Dutchman, but he has been the better centre-back in recent weeks.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire deserves a start and praise for his contribution against Porto, with his headed effort being the all-important equaliser. So we suggest he start next to De Ligt.
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez had a woeful Thursday night in Portugal, but we expect he will start again here but at left-back with Diogo Dalot dropping out. In theory, this could give the Eagles a back three when in possession.
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
Manuel Ugarte
Moving into midfield, the poor performance of Casemiro midweek should see Manuel Ugarte back in the starting line-up
Kobbie Mainoo
After being left out mid-week amid hamstring injury worries, Kobbie Mainoo should be starting here as he has been in training this week so must be fit.
Amad Diallo
On the right wing, Amad Diallo is the name we would expect to see starting as he has become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Bruno Fernandes
Moving into the middle, Bruno Fernandes’ suspension was overturned so he is available here. He probably should not start with Christian Eriksen in excellent form, but Ten Hag is unlikely to drop his captain.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford scored and assisted for United against Porto and therefore should have done enough to start against Villa.
- READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace
Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund made his comeback start against Porto and scored his first goal of the season which should warrant a start here, especially considering his record against Villa of two goals in two games.
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