Manchester United XI vs Aston Villa: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest

One of the few players who could make a comeback to improve the lackluster Red Devils lineup is Christian Eriksen.

Despite the team’s dismal recent performance, Erik ten Hag doesn’t seem likely to change his starting lineup for Manchester United against Aston Villa.

When United plays on Boxing Day, they will have gone 20 days without a goal. In that period, they have dropped three of their last four games and mustered only eight shots on goal.

Ten Hag has started the front four of Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund (when available) on every occasion during that run, and some supporters will be hoping that adjustments are made for the visit to Aston Villa.

The likelihood of it, though, seems remote considering his lack of faith in players like Facundo Pellistri and departing Donny van de Beek, as well as Marcus Rashford, who has only scored one goal since early September.

Ten Hag has started the front four of Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund (when available) on every occasion during that run, and some supporters will be hoping that adjustments are made for the visit to Aston Villa.

The likelihood of it, though, seems remote considering his lack of faith in players like Facundo Pellistri and departing Donny van de Beek, as well as Marcus Rashford, who has only scored one goal since early September.

Two more players who have been connected to January exits are Amad Diallo and Anthony Martial; if they can both show they are healthy following recent layoffs, they might both rejuvenate the assault.

With the exception of those two, Ten Hag has little alternatives when it comes to goals because five of his six forced absences are defensive players. That will be aided by Diogo Dalot’s return from suspension, while Willy Kambwala, a young debutant, is expected to return to the bench as Raphael Varane recovers from his sickness.