Manchester United are back in Premier League action this weekend against Aston Villa.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have scored nine goals in two home league matches, and were showing signs of turning Old Trafford into a fortress.
A midweek home loss in the Carabao Cup against West Ham will give Villa added hope and United will be looking to bounce back.
Villa are without winger Leon Bailey through injury while United have no fresh fitness concerns.
United’s 1-0 midweek defeat was a chance for fringe players to push their way into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting line-up for the Premier League.
Sadly not too many players made a strong case for themselves. Donny van de Beek did well after recovering from being partly at fault for West Ham’s goal. But it may not be enough to win Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over.
Who will start this weekend?
Solskjaer made 11 changes to last weekend’s XI for midweek, and there is a strong case he makes another 11 for the game with Villa.
The only doubt in Solskjaer’s mind may be the upcoming Champions League game with Villarreal on Wednesday night.
Solskjaer though will consider it important to build momentum to take into the midweek must-win game.
Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood looked bright after coming off the bench in midweek and they will be back in the side.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba had a complete rest in midweek and they will each be back in the side.
Ronaldo has four goals in three games to start his United spell and he will be looking to add to that.
Scott McTominay and Fred will likely resume their partnership in midfield despite competition from Nemanja Matic and Fred.
Van de Beek is most likely to break that up for this game, with Matic in consideration for Villarreal.
United’s first choice defence will also be back in action with David de Gea in goal. Diogo Dalot will be needed for Villarreal with Wan-Bissaka suspended.
The big news is that Edinson Cavani is likely to be in the squad. Expect to see him on the bench.
- Manchester United and Atalanta are polar opposites in one specific category
- Brandon Williams may have to be patient to regain Norwich starting spot
- Lack of Pogba to Ronaldo connection is biggest attacking disappointment
- How Manchester United could line-up v Atalanta in 3-5-2 formation
- Manchester United’s weakened defence have to contain in-form Duvan Zapata
- Marcus Rashford return could help Luke Shaw rediscover best form
- Tielemans dominated United and showed Solskjaer what he needs and lacks
- Bruno Fernandes made most key passes in the Premier League at weekend
- Manchester United’s players ‘lack grit’ says BBC pundit