Manchester United will conduct their Australia tour as they host Aston Villa at the Optus Stadium on Saturday.
United have had a successful preseason so far as they seem to have implemented Erik ten Hag’s philosophy with sheer precision. The Red Devils endured an underwhelming season last time as they finished sixth in the English Premier League.
Since the Dutch manager’s appointment, United are expected to display a possession based attacking style which has already been experienced in the first three matches against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
The attacking trio of Antony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have already established a good rapport between them and with the season arriving thick and fast they have to be sharp this time as United are hoping on them big time.
The arrival of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez have strengthened the side significantly but the potential arrival of a midfielder is in the offing as it stands.
Cristiano Ronaldo has already reiterated his wish to leave the club and it remains to be seen whether the manager approves of his departure or not. Frenkie de Jong has been heavily linked with the club but the Dutch midfielder is yet to give his nod to the move.
United are scheduled to take on Atletico Madrid in Oslo and Rayo Vallecano at the Old Trafford and will kick off their season against Brighton & Hove Albion on 7th August.
Aston Villa couldn’t capitalise on their excellent beginning under their new manager Steven Gerarrd as they finished in 14th place despite playing some entertaining football last season.
The Premier League side has had a busy summer as they have announced the arrival of Diego Carlos, Robin Olsen, Ludwig Augustinsson and Boubacar Kamara while they have also made Philippe Coutinho’s move permanent.
They have beaten Walsall FC, Leeds United and Brisbane Roar on the road in the preseason and will definitely fancy their chances against the Red Devils.
Gerrard’s side almost inflicted a famous loss to Manchester City but the English champions made an excellent comeback to secure a win and the Premier League title.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Date: 23rd August 2022
Time: 3:15 PM IST
Venue: Optus Stadium
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Team News
Manchester United
Scott McTominay didn’t take part in training and did his own separate recovery session. Raphael Varane and James Garner are fully fit and could see some game time in this match.
Donny van de Beek can finally start a game as he could be slot in the midfield alongside Fred.
Aston Villa
Keinan Davies is nursing an injury while the availability of Kortney Hause and Jaden Philogene-Bidace are still uncertain.
Manchester United Possible Lineup
De Gea, Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia, Fred, Van de Beek, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford, Martial
Aston Villa Possible Lineup
Martinez; Cash, Carlos, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Coutinho; Bailey, Watkins, Ings
Predictions
This match could pose a tricky test to United as Villa probably have the strongest team United already faced in the preseason.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Fantasy XI NO. 1
Manchester United vs Aston Villa Fantasy XI NO. 2
