Manchester United's Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on November 29, 2020. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United face Aston Villa in their first Premier League game of 2021 after ending 2020 on a high. The Red Devils have shown some very good form in recent games, which has pushed them to second place in the table. They have won 4 out of their last 5 games.
Aston Villa aren’t in bad shape either, having held Chelsea in their previous game. That means they have won 3 of their last 5 games. By no means will this be an easy outing for the home side given their apparent struggles at Old Trafford this season.
There will be a few injuries to wiggle through for this game. Victor Lindelof could miss this game with his long standing back problem. The defensive duo of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are also expected to be out. There seems to be no other injuries for Solskjaer to deal with.
The big Spaniard has been in top form over the last few games. Will be crucial for United that he continues in the same vein.
Wan-Bissaka is slowly returning to his best given some of the tackling on display.
It is good that the Ivorian has returned to fitness just when Lindelof is expected to be out. Impressive so far in the two games. One to keep an eye on.
The captain will continue to lead his team. Looks much better with Bailly’s agility alongside him.
Came on in the second half of last game but will very likely start this one out.
Very likely to replace Matic due to squad rotation in a hectic festive period.
Likely to come back for this one and partner McTominay in midfield. Comes in place of Paul Pogba.
There is no way teams can keep this guy out of the game. Some way or the other, he finds his mojo and influences the proceedings.
The youngster looks to be having somewhat of a dull patch but it might not be long before he comes back to his best.
Hero of the previous match, Marcus Rashford is one of United’s most in-form players now.
With Cavani looking a bit ineffective through the last one, Martial could be handed a chance to make his case against Villa.