After blowing a two-goal lead and managing only a late draw in a 3-3 Europa League match with Porto on Thursday, things aren’t looking great. Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s Villa side recently stunned Bayern Munich in one of the Champions League’s biggest upsets.
To add to the pressure, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to be watching closely at Villa Park, and another poor result could be the final straw for Ten Hag, who has already had a close call earlier this season.
The game against Porto started well for Ten Hag, with United leading by two, but they fell apart after a Pepe header and two goals from Samu Omorodion. Only a late Harry Maguire goal saved them from defeat.
This marked the second game in a row where United let in three goals, following a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham, where a controversial red card for Bruno Fernandes worsened their plight.
United haven’t won in four games across all competitions and currently sit a disappointing 13th in the Premier League, with just three wins in their first ten games. Many believe Ten Hag’s job is hanging by a thread.
If there’s any silver lining for the Dutchman, it’s that United have managed two consecutive away clean sheets in the league, against Crystal Palace and Southampton. They haven’t had three straight away clean sheets since March 2021.
But while United struggle, Villa are in red-hot form. Emery’s men have six wins from their last seven matches, including a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, thanks to a brilliant chip from super-sub Jhon Duran. Their only slip-up was a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town.
Had Villa not dropped those points, they could be battling Liverpool for the top spot, but they’ve still had their best start to a season since the 2008-09 campaign. However, United have won their last four encounters with Villa, including a late 2-1 win at Villa Park in February. A similar result on Sunday could buy Ten Hag a bit more time in the hot seat.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Shortly after having his red card and three-game Premier League ban from the Tottenham match overturned, Man United captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off again in Porto for a high boot. Thankfully for him, this suspension only affects Europa League games, so he’ll still be available to face Aston Villa.That’s more than can be said for United’s injured players. Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Leny Yoro (foot) are still sidelined, and Mason Mount is a doubt after picking up a knock and suffering a head injury against Spurs.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who was also forced off in that 3-0 defeat, missed the Porto game but has returned to training and might make a comeback at Villa Park, although likely from the bench.
Marcus Rashford had one of his best halves of the season against Porto before being substituted at halftime, which Ten Hag explained was for squad rotation. Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to start on the wings, with Amad Diallo likely to drop out.
As for Villa, their impressive win over Bayern Munich came at a cost. Jacob Ramsey had to leave the game in the first half with a suspected groin injury, while Amadou Onana was subbed off an hour in due to a tight hamstring. Both are uncertain for Sunday’s game. Leon Bailey, who replaced Ramsey, also went off injured, but out of the three, Emery is most hopeful about Onana's recovery.
Tyrone Mings (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee), and John McGinn (thigh) remain unavailable. With Ramsey out, Emery might consider pairing Jhon Duran with Ollie Watkins up front for the Villa attack.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Rogers, Barkley, Tielemans, Philogene; Duran, Watkins
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Dalot; Eriksen, Ugarte; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
EXPERT PREDICTION
Aston Villa 3-2 Manchester United
With Villa playing at home on Wednesday and Man United away on Thursday, Emery’s squad should definitely be the fresher team come Sunday. Meanwhile, Man United still look disjointed and lack a clear identity.
Although United have gotten the better of Villa in recent years, we’re backing Emery’s in-form side to keep their momentum going and grind out a win, which could ultimately decide Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
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