It won’t be a Merry Christmas at Old Trafford, as Manchester United are currently going through a very dark period. They just got womped at the London Stadium, by West Ham United, and up next is a visit from surprising Premier League title contenders Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Manager Erik Ten Hag put it bluntly: “We have to play two more games this week but we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. No-one.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa FYIs
Kickoff: Boxing Day, 2pm, Old Trafford
Five Great Christmas Moments in MUFC History: go here
United Preview Content: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Premier League Position: Man United 8th, 28 pts, Aston Villa 3rd, 39 pts
Premier League Form Guide: Man United LDLWL Aston Villa DWWWD
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
We have to take the responsibility, if you are a player for Manchester United you have to do it together. Everyone has to be accountable and take responsibility.”
Injuries and the festive period match pile-up forced Ten Hag to play a younger side today, and there could be some kids who see action in midweek again here as well. Overall expect some squad rotation.
Here is what we think that end result will look like, once the first team is selected. Hopefully, this group can do better than how today’s first team performed.
Manchester United Starting XI Prediction vs Aston Villa
Andre Onana; Luke Shaw, Sergio Reguilon, Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo; Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.