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If rumours are to be believed, tomorrow’s team selection could be Erik ten Hag’s last at Manchester United.
To avoid that being the case, the manager may have to get a result against an Aston Villa side flying under Unai Emery.
We therefore expect the boss to choose the eleven players he trusts the most to be in his starting line-up.
Of the five summer transfers, only Noussair Mazraoui has settled well and he is the only one almost certain to start tomorrow’s game.
While Leny Yoro remains sidelined with injury, Matthijs de Ligt could make way for Harry Maguire after the Dutchman put in a horror show against FC Porto on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte did not get a game at all against Porto and is struggling to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, so he, too, is unlikely to start. The only issue is Kobbie Mainoo’s fitness. He missed Thursday’s game and the manager has said it is touch and go as to whether he’ll make it for Sunday.
We have assumed he will be fit, and will partner Christian Eriksen, who has been United’s best central midfielder so far this season. Otherwise it comes down to a choice between Casemiro, who was also poor against Porto, or Ugarte.
Another new signing who is unlikely to start is Josh Zirkzee. After a goal in his first game for United, the Dutchman has looked off the pace and he was dropped to the bench for the Porto fixture.
That is probably where he’ll stay, with goalscorer Rasmus Hojlund keeping his place up front.
Ten Hag’s excuse for pulling the superb Marcus Rashford off at half-time on Thursday was to rest him for tomorrow, so his starting position sounds secure. As for the right wing, the choices are Alejandro Garnacho, Amad and Antony. The Ivorian started the season well but has not been imposing himself in recent games, while the Brazilian seems to be the lowest in the pecking order right now.
Assuming his knee injury allows it, Garnacho looks certain to start, especially as Ten Hag said he has been United’s best winger “by far” this season.
Bruno Fernandes will play in the 10 slot after his red card against Spurs was overturned. Mason Mount is another option, having been rested on Thursday following a head injury last weekend.
Elsewhere, Andre Onana will be in goal, with Diogo Dalot at left back and Lisandro Martinez at left centre back.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are still injured. Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are backup options.
Here, then, is our predicted XI for tomorrow’s 2pm kick-off:
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