Man Utd predicted XI vs Aston Villa: ‘Fantastic’ Red earns starting place
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick could be set to make a couple of changes to his starting lineup against Aston Villa.
In their last outing before the international break, the Red Devils will host the Villans at Old Trafford on Sunday. The kickoff is set at 16:30 UK time.
After going winless in nine games across all competitions, the home side received a timely morale boost from their Champions League come-from-behind victory over Roma. However, a negative result against Unai Emery’s men would undo Wednesday’s thrill.
Youri Tielemans to replace Carlos Baleba
United may have escaped with an invaluable win in midweek, but the evening was blemished by Carlos Baleba’s injury.
The Cameroonian had only recently returned from a long layoff, and he’s now set for several weeks on the treatment table.
Luckily for Carrick, Youri Tielemans, who replaced Baleba in the 51st minute against Roma, produced a ‘fantastic’ display, as the coach puts it, inspiring the late comeback.
Therefore, the Belgian should be the natural option to start alongside Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot, especially with Andrey Santos failing to impress.
The Tielemans-Mainoo combination might not be the ideal midfield from a stylistic standpoint, as the lineup will lack a ball winner. And yet, this remains the best available option for Carrick.
The rest of the Man United lineup against Aston Villa
While Baleba’s injury prompted a compulsory change, Carrick could opt to make another at the back, as his four-man defence has been leaking goals, conceding 11 in their last four matches in all competitions.
Ayden Heaven could thus make way after a series of unconvincing displays. The young Englishman will certainly be given other chances, but with Carrick’s future potentially on the line, he may be more inclined to entrust more experienced profiles.
Heaven could thus make way for Noussair Mazraoui, prompting a reshuffle at the back. The Moroccan could fill in at left-back, as he often does at the international level, sending Diogo Dalot back to his natural place at right-back.
Leny Yoro has been showing improvement in his new full-back role, but he could return to his original place at the heart of the backline alongside Harry Maguire.
The attacking foursome should remain intact, with Bruno Fernandes operating as a No.10, Amad Diallo on the right wing, while Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo exchange roles, with one leading the line and the other occupying the left flank.
Shea Lacey will be itching for another positive cameo off the bench, while Benjamin Sesko and Marcus Rashford remain unavailable.
Man Utd predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Tielemans, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Mbeumo; Cunha
