Match Preview: Aston Villa vs Manchester United

Aston Villa vs Manchester United | Premier League | Old Trafford | KO 14:05 GMT | Sky Sports

Despite Manchester United’s loss in Rome Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can look forward to his first final as the man in the hot seat at Old Trafford. However, attention now turns to the Premier League, where United haven’t featured for a fortnight.

United return to domestic competition to take on Aston Villa, looking to further cement themselves as the proverbial best of the rest behind inevitable champions Manchester City.

How do Manchester United look?

The Villa game marks Manchester United’s second game of an extremely busy week for the Reds. The rescheduling of games will see United play on; Sunday, to take on Villa before playing on Tuesday and then Thursday.

The unfavourable fixture arrangement means we will likely see a rotation of the squad. As a win for United all but guarantees a spot in the Champions League next season, Solskjaer will be looking to start the week strong with a lineup capable of doing the business.

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Marcus Rashford’s injury vulnerability this season saw him rested for 75 minutes in Rome meaning the forward is likely to be brought in for the trip to the midlands. Both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw were substituted at halftime in a bid to save them for this week so they are also likely to be given games.

Solskjaer however is less than pleased with the prospect of very little rest in between United’s next 3 fixtures.

“I can promise you that it’s impossible to play 90 minutes four times at this intensity, at that level in the Premier League, from Thursday to Thursday.” He told reporters.

“That means I cannot play everyone every minute, which means we’ve got to prioritise.” The Norwegian added, hinting at definite rotation.

Opposition: Aston Villa

The Villa boys from Aston are now set to be without club captain and star player Jack Grealish for the 12th consecutive game. The 25-year-old has been ruled out of the tie due to a lack of match fitness despite returning to training after a shin injury.

There’s no doubting that with Grealish, Villa are a much better side. The proof has been in the pudding with Villa’s form spiraling in his absence. The Villans have picked up 12 from a possible 33 including a loss to a 10-manned Sheffield United.

Their other key absentee is Trezeguet who is set to miss the rest of the season with a damaged knee ligament.