(3-4-3) New Man united Formation Under Thomas Tuchel as INEOS set to sack Ten Hag tomorrow if He fails to deliver Aston Villa
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing a crucial test this weekend as his position hangs in the balance. A poor result in Sunday’s Premier League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park could lead to his dismissal, with reports suggesting that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, part of the INEOS group eyeing control of the club, will be closely watching. Ten Hag’s tenure is under serious threat, especially after the team’s recent struggles on both domestic and European fronts.
United’s latest setback came in a dramatic 3-3 Europa League draw against Porto. Despite taking an early two-goal lead, they saw their advantage wiped out by a goal from Pepe and two strikes from Samu Omorodion, with Harry Maguire’s late header salvaging a point. This result followed a devastating 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, where Bruno Fernandes’ controversial red card only added to the chaos, although it was eventually overturned.
United’s form has been poor, with just three wins in their first 10 games, leaving them 13th in the Premier League. Pressure has mounted as they have now gone four matches without a win across all competitions. However, Ten Hag has some solace in the fact that the team has managed to secure back-to-back away clean sheets against Crystal Palace and Southampton. This resilience will be needed if they are to hold off a resurgent Aston Villa side.
Villa, under the leadership of Unai Emery, are riding high after a sensational 1-0 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich. Jhon Duran, their Colombian super-sub, was the hero, scoring a brilliant goal just minutes after coming off the bench. Villa’s recent form has been excellent, winning six of their last seven matches across all competitions. However, they did drop points in a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town, missing an opportunity to push even closer to the top of the Premier League table.
Historically, United have had the upper hand over Villa, winning the last four encounters between the two sides. The most recent victory came in February when Scott McTominay’s late strike secured a 2-1 win for Ten Hag’s side at Villa Park. A similar result on Sunday could provide the under-fire Dutch manager with some much-needed breathing space.
Bruno Fernandes, who was sent off in Porto, will be available for Sunday’s match as his suspension only applies to the Europa League. However, United have several injury concerns. Luke Shaw (calf), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Leny Yoro (foot) remain sidelined, while Mason Mount is a doubt after sustaining a head injury and a knock against Tottenham. Kobbie Mainoo, who missed the Porto match, could return after taking part in training earlier this week. Marcus Rashford, who impressed in the first half against Porto before being substituted for rotation reasons, is expected to start alongside Alejandro Garnacho on the wings.
Aston Villa also have injury worries following their triumph over Bayern. Jacob Ramsey suffered a groin injury, while Amadou Onana was taken off due to a tight hamstring. Both players remain doubtful for Sunday’s clash, while Leon Bailey, who replaced Ramsey, was substituted as a precautionary measure. Villa are already without key players Tyrone Mings (knee), Boubacar Kamara (knee), and John McGinn (thigh), which could see Emery field a partnership of Duran and Ollie Watkins in attack.
Predicted lineups:
Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Rogers, Barkley, Tielemans, Philogene; Duran, Watkins.
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Dalot; Mainoo, Ugarte; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.
This match could be decisive for Ten Hag’s future, with United needing a victory to prevent his possible dismissal. Aston Villa, meanwhile, will look to build on their impressive form and continue their climb up the table. The stage is set for a dramatic showdown at Villa Park.
