Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United side suffered yet another setback on their quest to penetrate the top six this season after they succumbed to a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday night. The Villans took the lead through Jack Grealish, but United did well to pull it back to 1-1 before half-time. They went on to take the lead in the second half, only to have their efforts undone by a Tyrone Mings goal in the 67th minute.
United are winless in their last three outings in all competitions, including an embarrassing defeat to Kazakhstani outfit FC Astana in the Europa League. With Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur next on the list of Old Trafford visitors, the United manager will be hoping for rapid change of fortune, especially considering that this fixture could have massive repercussions for either club in the long run.
Team News
United’s injury list is sure to give even the most loyal fans something to think about, as names like Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Eric Bailly have all been ruled out. Similarly, Marcos Rojo and Diogo Dalot are also not in contention for this match against Tottenham. Scott McTominay is said to be ready and raring to go for the next outing, meaning that he could be in line to start.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
David De Gea has been first-choice at Manchester United for the longest time now, and despite his rising age, he’s been one of their standout players over the last decade. In front of him, expect the regular defensive duo of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof. The Englishman had an average game against the Villans in midweek, but Lindelof, on the other hand, was quite exciting to watch for most of that match.
Young Brandon Williams seems to be keeping Luke Shaw out of the Manchester United side, despite the former Southampton man’s early return to fitness. Williams scored a sensational goal against Sheffield United last week, and his place in the side seems to be pretty secure. On the opposite flank, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been winning hearts with his defensive displays as well.
Midfield
The biggest news that Manchester United fans would’ve heard this year is of Scott McTominay’s return from injury. Despite his tender age, the midfielder had been one of their best players before he succumbed to an injury earlier in the season. With him now set to return, it seems likely that there will be an upturn in form for Ole’s side.
Expect the gaffer to drop Andreas Pereira in McTominay’s favour, as the former didn’t offer any attacking potential in the last fixture. Next to the youngster, expect to see the familiar face of Brazilian star Fred, who despite his carelessness, has been a decent shout in midfield this season.
Attack
Jesse Lingard is expected to take back the number ten slot from Juan Mata on the night, with Marcus Rashford and Daniel James keeping their places either side of the Englishman. In front of him, Anthony Martial is sure to get another go at being a striker – something that hasn’t worked out all too well for them so far this season.
