Manchester United were embarrassed on Thursday night in Kazakhstan losing 2-1 to Astana in the Europa League.
Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer playing a host of academy graduates, Manchester United should have done far better against a terrible Astana team that had already been eliminated from progressing to the round of 32.
The loss in the Europa League followed on from a 3-3 draw away to Sheffield United in which Manchester United were played off the park for large parts of the game. Manchester United were down two goals within 52 minutes before mounting a comeback in the second half.
Although they tallied three goals in less than 10 minutes, Sheffield United were able to find a stoppage time equaliser. That is the back drop to Sunday’s game at Old Trafford as Aston Villa head to town.
Aston Villa are coming off of a 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Monday night to end a three-match losing streak. The Villains have been atrocious on the road collected the fewest points in the league playing away from home.
Their away form should play into the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Villains have taken just one point from 18 on their travels. They are –4 in goal difference with 13 strikes conceded.
Solskjaer’s team is unbeaten in four straight games at Old Trafford. Their only loss at home came against Crystal Palace in August, 2-1. The manager rested his top players on Thursday night choosing to blood academy players that struggled against a poor Europa League team.
Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic are both fighting for fitness and could return to the team on Sunday. They would bring some steel to Manchester United’s midfield which was overrun against Sheffield United.
Five players are ruled out for Solskjaer with Paul Pogba, Marcos Rojo, Diogo Dalot, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, and Eric Bailley all out long-term.
Dean Smith has four injury concerns at Aston Villa with Keinan Davis and Jed Steer set to miss the trip to Manchester. Jota is nearing a return but may not be available until the following weekend. Bjorn Engels could also be held back until the following weekend.
Manchester United have seen 11 of their 20 matches in all competitions end with both teams scoring. That trend should continue on Sunday at Old Trafford as both sides find the back of the net.
The Red Devils should end their two-match winless run against the Villains and tally a big victory at home. Expect over 2.5 goals as these teams struggle to defend.
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