Manchester United continue their push for the Premier League top four when they welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Villa represent one of United’s closest challengers for Champions League qualification, with six points separating the sides going into the weekend.
An up-and-down few weeks for Manchester United continued on Thursday, when Erik ten Hag’s side threw away a two-goal lead to draw away at Tottenham Hotspur.
A wonderful first-half performance saw the Red Devils lead 2-0 at the break, but for the second time this month, United failed to win from that commanding position.
The debacle that was their Europa League tie with Sevilla saw them eventually lose 5-2 on aggregate after leading 2-0 in the first leg.
That disappointment was put behind them when they sealed a spot in the FA Cup final by beating Brighton & Hove Albion on penalties in their semi-final showdown last Sunday.
Returning to Old Trafford should give them a lift as well, considering they are on the longest current unbeaten home run out of all top-flight sides.
United have not been beaten in 25 matches at home, dating back to September’s Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad, and they have conceded just eight goals during that spectacular run.
Villa will more than likely make it difficult though, as United have failed to win any of the last three Premier League meetings between the sides.
In addition to that, Villa are unbeaten in their last 10 matches, taking an impressive 26 points over that period.
Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire will face late fitness tests to see whether they will be available for selection for Man United here.
There are further glaring issues in defense for Ten Hag to deal with, as Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane’s Premier League campaigns are over, but the latter is expected to be back in time for the FA Cup final.
Alejandro Garnacho is closing in on a return for United, but this one may come too soon for him, while Donny van de Beek is out for the season.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes; Antony, Rashford, Sancho
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