Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways once again as they gear up to welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford this Saturday in Premier League football.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men last turned out on Wednesday evening against West Ham United in the third round Carabao Cup contest in a game where the Red Devils had to taste a bitter defeat.
West Ham United secured a narrow 1-0 win courtesy of an early goal from playmaker Lanzini and Solskjaer and Co. were unable to find a way back into the game and proceed to the further stages of the competition.
On their return to Premier League action, however, Manchester United will be looking to maintain their fine start to the new season which has put them third in the standings, level on points with the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool both of whom have also recorded 13 points from the opening five fixtures.
United’s upcoming opponents Aston Villa have enjoyed a bag of mixed fortunes so far this campaign but Dean Smith’s Midlanders looked solid on all fronts in their last outing which came against Everton in a convincing 3-0 win for Villa.
Dean Smith and Co. have not looked at their best since the start of the season and will be labelled the underdogs when they make the travels to Old Trafford this weekend and face a Manchester United side who will be fresh off a defeat and hoping to get back on track.
WHEN & WHERE?
The #PL is calling! 🚨#MUFC | #MUNAVL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 23, 2021
Date: 25 September 2021
Time: 2 PM GMT
Venue: Old Trafford
TEAM NEWS
Edinson Cavani remains the major concern on the injury front for the Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with an update yet to be given over the veteran forward’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s game against Villa.
Solskjaer will be unable to call upon two more of his forward players in Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo with the duo yet to make a return to the Old Trafford fold.
A host of star regulars who had been rested for the midweek contest in the Carabao Cup will be in line to make the starting teamsheet once again with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba earning some well-earned rest.
KEY BATTLE
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Danny Ings
Ronaldo has been a star turn for Manchester United ever since his return to England’s top flight and all eyes will once be on the 36-year-old Portuguese who can tilt the game’s outcome in his side’s favour should he turn up at his usual best.
The Old Trafford returnee has come clutch for United when it has mattered the most in front of the goal and will be looking to maintain his hot streak of form on the attacking front.
For Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side, it is their summer purchase Danny Ings who has enjoyed a decent start to life at Villa Park and will be backed to make an impression when leading the line for the Midlands outfit.
MATCH PREDICTION
Manchester United are the strong favourites for this game despite a loss in their last outing.
Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa
