Marcus Rashford Man United EPL
Marcus Rashford Man United EPL

Man United knocked out Aston Villa from the FA Cup in midweek and the two sides take on each other once again, this time in the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard’s Villa put up a really strong fight in the 3rd Round clash but in the end, a single Scott McTominay goal was enough to settle the encounter. But going into Saturday’s game, Ralf Rangnick has several absentees so Man United will have to be on their toes once again.

The German will be missing a number of players due to injuries and suspensions which could force the interim manager to make a change in formation. Rangnick’s preferred 4-2-2-2 system has already failed at Man United and with some key first-team regulars ruled out, the boss could opt for a 4-3-2-1 or a more attacking 4-3-1-2.

United are currently 7th on the Premier League table but they have played one game less than the other top-four contenders. Meaning if they pick three points on Saturday then they will once again be back in the thick of things.

Man United team news vs Aston Villa:

Harry Maguire missed the midweek game due to a chest injury but the Man United captain will return to the side, partnering Raphael Varane in central defence.

Luke Shaw is suspended for this game meaning Alex Telles will come into the side. Dalot picked up a nasty gash during the FA Cup win but the right-back should be fit to start on Saturday.

Scott McTominay is another player who is suspended and this could mean that Donny van de Beek finally gets to start. Villa played some really smooth football in the FA Cup game so if Fred and Matic pair up in midfield then Gerrard’s side might be able to play around them quite easily.

This one reason could force Ralf Rangnick to crowd up the midfield area with Van de Beek playing alongside Fred and Nemanja Matic.

Jadon Sancho is recovering from a hamstring issue and he might only be fit enough to start on the bench. Marcus Rashford has been completely out of form and at this moment, the England international looks lost of ideas.

Rangnick will be sensible and take the forward off the firing line. This means Bruno Fernandes will be back in the No 10 role.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed the FA Cup game due to a groin injury but the forward has revealed that he should be fit enough to feature in the starting line up on Saturday.

Ronaldo told MUTV: “I hope so. We will try on Thursday. I will try to train as normal. Let’s see how the body reacts.

“Fingers crossed. I’m confident.”

Cavani’s return to full fitness has been a major plus for the Man United manager and if Rangnick decides to keep Rashford on the bench then Cavani will surely get another start.

Read: Manchester United set to beat Arsenal in the race to sign this 24 Y/O midfielder.