Match Preview: Manchester United vs Aston Villa FA Cup
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MATCH PREVIEW
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Manchester United host Aston Villa in the English FA cup on Monday, January 10, 2022
Last time out, it was a historic win for Wolverhampton Wanderers under the flood lights of Old Trafford after a late Joao Moutinho goal claim a first Premier League win for the Wanderers at the theater of dreams.
This time around, it's more of a revenge mission on Aston Villa who also took maximum points from United in their last visit to Old Trafford in the League this season. A win will however serve to purposes - a positive response after interim manager Ralph Rangnick's first game in charge and vengeance on Villa.
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Steven Gerrard in his press conference has made it clear that his side is completely aware of this fact and they're preparing to meet the best United side under Ralph Rangnick.
"I'm expecting a reaction from them. I watched the game against Wolves. There seemed to be a lot of frustration about the place. I listened to the manager, he was disappointed with the result. The fact is, they have got world-class players. It's a real tough fixture for us. A massive challenge."src
He stated in his press conference.
"We won't approach this like there's a crisis going on at United. We'll be preparing for the best possible Manchester United" src
TEAM NEWS
Manchester United have assured they'll field their best team as they won't be taking either Aston Villa or the FA cup lightly. With players like Edison Cavani pledging allegiance to the club till summer and Bruno Fernandes lashing out rumours linking him to Barcelona.
In Rangnick's press conference, he clearly stated the club's position on the game.
"For me, it's a very important competition," he said. "We will definitely try to play with our best possible team in that game and a strong team. We take the game as seriously as we can and hopefully get one round further ahead but in order to do that we have to be successful against Aston Villa." src
Pogba remains out injured as he nurses a long term injury. Maguire is back in contention just as Dean Henderson is expected to feature in place of Dea Gea given his tendency to start in cup competitions. Bailly is off to AFCON which began with a goal-mouth scramble yesterday. In other news we hope to see more goals in that competition.
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The rest of the Manchester United squad still remains fit and in contention.
On the Aston Villa front, we're talking a redemption quest following back to back league defeats to Brentford and Chelsea. So whoever will be given the nod on Monday night, will definitely be in the mood for a dog fight.
Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings are in the mix while match winner last time out Kortney House is in doubt. Former United Captain Ashly Young may likely not be having an outing at the theater of dreams while Nakamba and Bailey are out injured.
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There's still a significant concerned for United though as Ings and Buendia are available for selection.
VERDICT
Expect a very dogged display from both sides and even though a respite is possible when the play each other again in the Premier League on Saturday, January 15, 2022, progression in the FA cup will matter a lot to both teams.
