Ralf Rangnick had a strong start as Man United temporary head coach, going undefeated in five games, but the German suffered his first setback in charge on Monday, when Wolverhampton Wanderers won 1-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League, moving the hosts to seventh place in the table.
Since then, there have been rumors of distress in the dressing room, and it will be fascinating to see how the 20-time English winners respond in the FA Cup on Monday night.
This competition is arguably their best chance to win the trophy, with the Premier League title out of reach and the strength of the remaining teams in the Champions League making it difficult for an inconsistent Man United to compete.
As previously stated, the Red Devils have won the FA Cup 12 times, with their most recent triumph coming in 2016, when they defeated Crystal Palace in the final, after losing in the quarter-finals to Leicester City last season and the semi-finals to Chelsea this season.
Man United is preparing for a double-header versus Villa, as the two sides will meet in the Premier League on January 15, and Rangnick’s side will also face Brentford and West Ham United in the league on January 19 and 22, respectively, during a busy period.
Must Read: Manchester United vs Aston Villa Betting Odds and Tips
Villa, on the other hand, will enter Monday’s match on the back of consecutive Premier League defeats to Chelsea and Brentford, which have dropped them to 13th place in the table with 22 points.
As previously stated, the visitors have won the FA Cup seven times, making them the joint-fourth most successful team in the competition’s history, alongside Liverpool.
Villa hasn’t won the cup since 1957 when they defeated Man United in the final, but head coach Steven Gerrard will have his team revved up to win on Monday night at Old Trafford.
The seven-time English champions have also signalled their ambition by signing Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona. The Brazil international is unlikely to play in Monday’s meeting, but he might make his debut in the league match between the two teams next Saturday.
Aston Villa has already defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford this season, winning 1-0 in a Premier League match way back in September.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Head-to-head record
Games played between the two sides: 201
Manchester United wins: 101
Aston Villa wins: 50
Draws: 50
Our Recent Meeting:
Villa is motivated by their recent win at Old Trafford, which the Reds will recall. When the teams reunited in September for a Premier League match, Kortney Hause’s header in the final minutes gave them their first victory in M16 in almost 12 years.
In stoppage time, United had a chance to equalize, but Bruno Fernandes blasted a penalty high into the Stretford End.
Manchester United current form in all competitions: W, D, W, D, W, L
Aston Villa current form in all competitions: L, W, L, W, L, L
Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Team News
Paul Pogba will be out again due to injury, while Anthony Martial will not be considered for selection due to the continued uncertainty surrounding his future; Eric Bailly is also out after joining Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations.
There's promising news for @VLindelof ahead of Monday's #FACup tie 💪#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 7, 2022
Victor Lindelof is back after recovering on time from COVID-19 and should play, but club captain Harry Maguire is out with an injury, so Phil Jones, who impressed against Wolves in the league last time out, might be in line for another start at the back.
Rangnick has promised to field a strong lineup on Monday, although Dean Henderson is expected to start in goal, with Diogo Dalot, Fred, Marcus Rashford, and Bruno Fernandes all possible inclusions following the league game against Wolves.
Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw will most likely feature in this match as they are already suspended for their Premier League clash against the Villians on the weekend.
Gerrard has confirmed that both Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings will be available for selection for Villa, while Kortney Hause should be able to overcome an injury to make the team.
Injury has ruled out Nakamba and Leon Bailey, while Ashley Young is a serious doubt to face his previous side; Coutinho is also unlikely to play for his new club.
Trezeguet and Bertrand Traore are both unavailable due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, but Gerrard still has plenty of alternatives in attack, with Danny Ings and Emiliano Buendia joining Watkins in a front three in a powerful side.
Our Prediction for the match:
We expect Manchester United to win this match narrowly but Steven Gerrard’s team will not get away without giving a fight. Rangnick’s team will be hoping to shut some mouths with some sharp performances in the upcoming fixtures.
Our Score: Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa
