United kick-off their League Cup campaign tomorrow with a third round tie against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
So, time to rest the first team and play the kids right?
No chance. Erik ten Hag will rightly be seething at his side’s defeat at Villa Park just this Sunday, and will be out for revenge.
It also represents – arguably – United’s best chance of silverware this season after Monday’s Europa League draw, which pitted the Reds against La Liga leaders Barcelona.
A chance to bounce back
For the first time since the Manchester City game, United deserved to lose on Sunday.
We were crippled by injuries and a suspension, but it’s no excuse for the performance. Aston Villa were sharper, faster, more competitive and took their chances better than United.
It was a real setback to United’s progress since the derby at the start of October, and Ten Hag will be demanding a response. The fact that it’s the same team that beat us is an added fillip.
This time, revenge is a dish best served piping hot.
The outlook – very optimistic
Although Sunday was bad, looking at the game as part of the season, it has to be viewed as a blip.
Aside from the Manchester derby, United were on a run of 9 unbeaten league games, which includes deserved victories against Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham. That run also includes draws with Chelsea and Newcastle, but we probably should have beaten them too.
Crucially, United will have Bruno Fernandes available for selection again. He was sorely missed on Sunday; Donny van De Beek failing to take the chance given to him be the manager and Eriksen looking laboured.
We expect a big reaction from the Reds under the Old Trafford lights on Thursday.
Manchester United
United looked tired on Sunday, but we still think Erik ten Hag will field a strong 11.
A defeat here would be terrible for morale going into a tricky away game against Fulham at the weekend; the last before the world cup.
We expect the mistakes of Sunday to be addressed and rectified, and for United to take the game to Aston Villa.
There are no new injury concerns for United, and Anthony Martial has a chance of being fit enough for the starting 11. However, we expect to see a couple of players rested and a debut for Martin Dubravka, as United’s fixture pile-up continues.
Predicted XI:
Aston Villa
Villa have had a mixed season to say the least, but seemed to benefit from the ‘new manager bounce’ after the failed Steven Gerrard experiment. We expect them to stick to a similar starting 11 to the weekend, and they appear to have no fresh injuries.
Predicted XI
Martinez; Digne, Mings, Konsa, Cash; Douglas Luiz, Dendoncker; Buendia, Ramsey; Watkins, Bailey
A statement of intent
Yes, it would be nice to win the League Cup, but it isn’t United’s priority this season.
Tomorrow night is all about the statement that Erik ten Hag and Manchester United make after an unexpected setback.
United are right on the cusp of the top four, and need to be go into the Fulham game with both form and confidence.
It is absolutely critical to win tomorrow night and on Sunday, before the World Cup break starts.
Prediction
Manchester United 4-1 Aston Villa
We think Villa will have their moments, and expect them to create chances. But this is a game that United will be well up for, and Erik ten Hag will demand a big reaction from his team.
Let’s move onward and upwards from the weekend’s defeat.