Manchester United have to pick themselves up and go again against Aston Villa who just stunned them at Villa Park on Sunday. In the 3rd Round of the Carabao Cup, United have for themselves a chance at winning their first silverware since the 2017 Europa League. United have recently performed well in the Carabao Cup, reaching back to back semi-finals against Manchester City under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, last season, United exited at this stage with a 0-1 loss to West Ham at Old Trafford.

United desperately need some silverware and could be a momentum builder for after the World Cup. Emery’s sides have all the trademarks of difficult opponents and have excellent records in cup competitions. This won’t be an easy win but if Erik ten Hag and United learn from the mistakes of Sunday, they could come away with a big win going into their final game before the World Cup against Fulham. Here’s all you need to know:

Manchester United vs Aston Villa Match Information

Teams: Manchester United and Aston Villa
Date: Thursday 10th November 2022
KO Time: 20:00 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Erik ten Hag and Unai Emery

Team News:

Manchester United

Manchester United will have Bruno Fernandes back following his suspension in the league game. Dalot is available for the cup but will be suspended for the trip to Fulham. Antony and Sancho may return after missing the last two games to injury and illness respectively. Anthony Martial made his long awaited return but to no effect at Villa Park unfortunately. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is available for selection after making the bench against Sociedad. Varane, Williams and Tuanzebe remain out.

Aston Villa

Villa remain without Augustinsson, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho for Thursday but saw a welcome return for Boubacar Kamara as he came on against United as a sub along with John McGinn who could also be recalled. Jan Bednarek and Leander Dendoncker are cup tied as they have played in the competiton previously this season with their former clubs.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United beat Aston Villa in their last cup clash with a Scott McTominay winner enough to see the home side through their FA Cup 3rd Round tie earlier this year.
• Manchester United are five times winners of the competition, only Liverpool (9) and Manchester City (8) have more League Cup titles.
• Manchester United’s last Carabao Cup victory was in the 2016/17 season in Jose Mourinho’s debut season in which they played four of their five ties against Premier League opposition (Manchester City, West Ham, Hull City and Southampton).

Predicted XI:

I expect a fair few changes to the side that hugely underwhelmed against Villa. Hopefully we see Dubravka finally making his Old Trafford debut. If he doesn’t here, he may as well leave in January. I’d like to see Wan-Bissaka for this game to get some minutes before, I assume, his first League start against Fulham. Harry Maguire has to come in after Lindelof’s woeful performance and should be paired with Martinez. Malacia can deputise for Shaw for this match.

I’d like to see Fred start this game with McTominay and give both Eriksen and Casemiro a rest. I personally thought Fred should have started at the weekend as his high press and energy was sorely missed. Bruno should slot straight in after Donny’s awful display. Ronaldo should be benched and never seen again in a United shirt in my opinion. As a result, I would have Elanga play on the right if Antony and Sancho are unavailable and I would have Rashford start on the left and Martial rack up some minutes up front.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Fred; Elanga, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

Manchester United vs Aston Villa Predicted Score

As long as United weather the early storm and get hold of possession, they can punish this Villa team. As I said at the weekend, they lose the ball in bad areas and if United are quick, aggressive and win the ball well, they can punish Emery’s team. I can’t say I’m wholly confident but I’ll go for a scrappy and tense win.

United to win 2-1