Manchester United will try to build on their recent strong form, having won four of their last five games, when they meet Aston Villa in the Premier League today.
The Midlands side might offer a significant threat, but Erik ten Hag will be encouraged by his team’s 3-2 victory over Villa on Boxing Day.
The Dutch team will be missing Lisandro Martínez for a prolonged length of time due to injury.
Lisandro Martínez’s injury news
The former Ajax defender had a great start to his United career in the early months of the 2022/23 season, making 45 games before missing the final few months due to a metatarsal fracture.
He recovered in the early weeks of this season, but sustained another foot injury and didn’t return until last month against Tottenham Hotspur.
His streak of bad luck continued against West Ham United. The World Cup winner injured his medial collateral ligament in his knee and is scheduled to miss the next eight weeks.
Ten Hag will now have to figure out who will replace the small defender.
Raphael Varane replaced Martinez against the Irons, and he should start against Villa with Harry Maguire.
Raphael Varane’s statistics this season.
The French defender has extensive experience and was described as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2019, so he should have no trouble filling in for the former Ajax centre-back.
Varane has had an erratic season so far, appearing in 21 games across all competitions but starting only 15 owing to a succession of injuries.
Last week, against West Ham, the Frenchman adapted admirably to come in with only 19 minutes remaining, winning 100% of his aerial duels, making two clearances, and completing 94% of his passes, indicating that he deserves to start this afternoon.
The 30-year-old also played the entire 90 minutes against Villa in the Boxing Day comeback victory. Despite conceding twice, the former Real Madrid player was consistent throughout.
Not only did he win five of his seven duels, but he also made three interceptions and clearances, two tackles, and lost possession only eight times throughout 90 minutes, demonstrating his defensive prowess.
This performance should serve as further evidence for Ten Hag that the 6 foot 4 titan is the man to step in and fill Martinez’s vacuum today.
Another win for United might propel the team closer to the top four, boosting their confidence as the Red Devils’ fixtures pile up.
Ten Hag and his players have had a terrible start to the season, but if they can finish well, the Old Trafford faithful would undoubtedly forgive them, especially if they continue their recent good form.
