Nestled amongst a media narrative regarding an owner’s refusal to back a public dismissal of his manager, Manchester United are preparing for a trip to Aston Villa.
The Premier League fixture presents a stern test for Erik ten Hag’s side, with the Reds winless in four and Villa fresh off a memorable victory against Bayern Munich.
Unai Emery has weaved his magic in Birmingham, guiding his side to a fourth-placed finish last season, inadvertently sealing Champions League football.
In contrast, Ten Hag endured a plethora of issues throughout the most traumatic of campaigns, racking up league-leading figures in injuries alongside endless off-the-field dramas and uncertainties regarding his future.
Today, six points separate the sides after as many outings, with the Old Trafford faithful beyond frustrated with a lack of identity from their team.
However, as we approach yet another international break to halt the momentum and decline of England’s finest sides, the prospect of a welcome three points will undoubtedly be on the agenda for the troubled Dutchman.
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United surrendered a two-goal midweek lead against Porto in the Europa League and required a Harry Maguire stoppage time header to salvage a point in a 3-3 draw.
Following a chaotic evening in Portugal, Ten Hag addressed his squad options ahead of Sunday’s vital domestic fixture.
“So we had three players with issues going into this game,” he told the media.
“[Harry] Maguire, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Harry and Alejandro made the squad and were capable to play some minutes, whereas Mainoo didn’t make it. It was too big a risk.
“We have to wait and see if he [Mainoo] can play on Sunday. If he is fit enough to start or be on the bench.”
It is worth noting that the 19-year-old had trained on the day of the European outing, so his inclusion against Villa is a distinct possibility.
Mason Mount did not make the midweek trip following precautionary measures, and it remains unclear if he will be available before the international break.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined ahead of their highly-anticipated return, with the manager aiming to utilise Shaw in the coming weeks.
United have lost just one of their previous 25 Premier League trips to Villa Park, with that coming in Emery’s first game in charge of the club in 2022.
Remarkably, the 20-time English champions have beaten the Villians 40 times in the PL, with that only bettered by their record against Everton (41).
But Villa have enjoyed a promising start to the campaign, collecting 13 points and equalling their memorable 2008-09 period under Martin O’Neill.
Furthermore, since the Spaniard assumed control, only Manchester City (85), Liverpool (84), and Arsenal (81) have collected more points at home than the former European Cup winners (74).
Undeniably, Ten Hag has a monumental task ahead of him, with many expecting his departure with anything other than a comprehensive win.
How do you see United fairing in Sunday’s 14:00 BST fixture?
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