Following an early exit in the Carabao Cup, Manchester United will be targeting glory in this season’s FA Cup.
Similar to the Carabao Cup third round draw, United haven’t been given an easy start, after being drawn against Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick was ‘disappointed‘ by the draw, but United will be at home against the Villans.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rung the changes against West Ham in the third round of the Carabao Cup, but that backfired as United were beaten 1-0 at the Theatre of Dreams.
The defeat in the Carabao Cup meant that a number of United’s squad players have struggled for game time ever since.
Here are three Manchester United players who will be hoping to feature in the FA Cup…
Dean Henderson
The England international’s only appearance came in the cup defeat to David Moyes’ side. He was given a rare start in Manchester United’s final Champions League group clash against Young Boys.
With David de Gea looking back to his best, Henderson’s chances of featuring in the Premier League or Champions League, barring an injury to the Spaniard, looks unlikely.
The 24-year-old could well seek a six-month or 18-month loan deal in January, but if he is still at the club in the early part of the new year, it’s highly likely that he will start against Villa.
Being guaranteed FA Cup action is unlikely going to be enough to convince Henderson to stay at the Theatre of Dreams, but if a loan move doesn’t materialise, he will probably be our keeper for the duration of the tournament.
Donny van de Beek
The Dutchman was given a rare start against Young Boys, but his search for domestic minutes continues.
A change of manager doesn’t look to have increased the former Ajax man’s prospects of breaking the Scott McTominay and Fred stranglehold on central midfield.
With Paul Pogba due to return in the new year, the 24-year-old’s chances of getting more game time will become even harder.
A start against the Villains will be welcomed by United’s 34, who may also look to seek either a permanent of temporary move in the upcoming transfer window.
Jesse Lingard
With it looking increasingly unlikely that the England international will sign new terms at United whilst he remains on the periphery, a start against Villa, on 10 January could actually prove to be Lingard’s last in a United shirt.
Instead of losing Lingard on a free in the summer, United could well look to recoup a fee for the man who shone on loan at West Ham, during the second half of last season.
With over 200 appearances for the academy graduate, a swansong FA Cup appearance remains a high possibility.
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