Caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick faces another challenging moment in his time in charge of Manchester United when the Red Devils visit Villa Park against a revitalized Aston Villa who could showcase their prized new acquisitions.
Manchester United (seventh, 31 points) have their sights set on a minimum of fourth place in the Premier League; a win could put them within a point of Arsenal, who currently occupy that spot. But Rangnick and Man United need more than just a win – a strong performance would go a long way in convincing players and fans that the team is on the right track with the German in charge.
A rare and lengthy interview with Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of this game shed light on the problems the superstar has observed within United’s camp. Although he will not play Villa’s match due to injury, he says there are changes that need to be made and things that need to be “destroyed”. And he’s demanding his teammates up their game and change their mindset, especially those who don’t have time for his advice.
While Man United manage to live up to their lofty expectations, Aston Villa (14th, 22 points) are looking to raise the bar this season. The appointment of Steven Gerrard as manager has definitely proven to be a step in that direction. Not only has he helped improve the team’s game, but he has also signed two starters who could make their debuts against Manchester United: playmaker Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona and left-back Lucas Digne from Everton.
This should be a close game between two quality teams, as their FA Cup third-round match on Monday showed. Man United won that game 1-0 at home, knocking Villa out of the competition and creating a convincing grudge match. Aston Villa won the first league match in September, a match that also ended 1-0.
Sporting News will follow the match live and provide live scores updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
| 1 hour | 2H | Final | |
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| united man | — | — | — |
(All times Eastern)
The January signings will be great news around Villa. Here is some background on the moves:
“Steven Gerrard wanted to raise the age profile a bit and wanted proven winners…” ????
Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow explains how the Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne moves came about and what #AVFC I want to achieve at the end of the season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zJfKlA1XiB
—SkySportsNews (@SkySportsNews) January 15, 2022
Only one goal separated the two teams in their FA Cup third round match at Old Trafford. This was the goal that gave the victory to the Red Devils:
Projected Aston Villa vs. Man United
Gerrard made it clear that the new signings will already be available to play. Digne is starting at left back, hitting the bench, where Coutinho begins his Aston Villa career.
The usual starting midfielder is sanctioned, with taking his place. and they’re at AFCON, and they’re injured. he was loaned out to Everton.
1-Emiliano Martinez (GK) — 27-Lucas Digne, 5-Tyrone Mings, 4-Ezri Konsa, 2-Matty Cash — 41-Jacob Ramsey, 6-Douglas Luiz, 8-Morgan Sanson — 10-Emiliano Buendia, 20- Danny Ings, 11-Ollie Watkins
12-Jed Steer (GK), 3-Matt Targett, Kaine Kesler Hayden, 47-Tim Iroegbunam, 30-Kortney Hause, 18-Ashley Young, 33-Carney Chukwuemeka, 35-Cameron Archer, 23-Philippe Coutinho
Although Rangnick had hoped to be available for the Aston Villa game, he will sit through the same pain that forced him to miss the FA Cup game. and they are surprising absences.
, and they are back, although the suspension will prevent them from participating. is still sidelined with a thigh injury, while two players are currently out of AFCON 2022: and .
1-David De Gea (GK) — 27-Alex Telles, 19-Raphael Varane, 2-Victor Lindelof, 20-Diogo Dalot — 31-Nemanja Matic, 17-Fred — 36-Anthony Elanga, 18-Bruno Fernandes (capt) , 11-Mason Greenwood — 21-Edinson Cavani
26-Dean Henderson (GK), 22-Tom Heaton (GK), 4-Phil Jones, 5-Harry Maguire, 34-Donny van de Beek, 8-Juan Mata, 14-Jesse Lingard, 25-Jadon Sancho
How to watch Aston Villa vs. Man United
- Date: Saturday, January 15
- Hour: 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time
- Television channel: NBC, Universe
- Transmission: fuboTV, peacock (subscribers only)
Saturday’s match between Aston Villa and Manchester United from Villa Park will be broadcast on NBC (English) and Universo (Spanish).
Both channels can be broadcast on fuboTV, which offers a free trial for new users.