Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa: Sesko Makes First Start in Seven Weeks

Manchester United have only won two of their last seven matches.

Benjamin Šeško (right) is ready for his full comeback. / Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Manchester United are seeking to restore calm when they visit Aston Villa in Sunday’s sole Premier League fixture.

The Red Devils played out the game of the season last Monday, engaged in a truly bonkers 4–4 draw against Bournemouth that saw them surrender three separate leads. The attacking invention of Ruben Amorim’s side was cancelled out by some dismal defending.

United will be eager to produce a more cohesive performance at Villa Park as they look to move level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, but securing the victory they require to match the Blues will prove incredibly challenging.

Villa have won their last nine matches across all competitions and boast a phenomenal home record, while United have proven to be an inconsistent beast and are missing key personnel at both ends of the pitch.

Here is how Amorim could line his side up for a crunch clash.

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Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa (3-4-2-1)

Manuel Ugarte should make an increasingly rare start. / Catherine Ivill/AMA/Getty Images

GK: Senne Lammens—Lammens was not solely culpable for United shipping four against Bournemouth and even produced some fine saves in the draw, but it was hardly his strongest outing since his summer switch.

CB: Leny Yoro—Used largely as a right back as Amorim shifted to a back four against Bournemouth, but struggled in an unfamiliar role. Should revert to his usual right-sided centre back role against Villa as United seek defensive solidity.

CB: Ayden Heaven—The injuries to both Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have massively impacted United, who have been required to rely on inexperienced 19-year-old Ayden Heaven as their middle centre back. He’s failed to convince, rather unsurprisingly.

CB: Luke Shaw—Villa’s array of attacking threats will cause issues for United and their backline, with Shaw among those who need to keep close tabs on the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers.

RWB: Diogo Dalot—With Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui having departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, Dalot will revert to his preferred right flank against Villa. He’s impressed in the final third recently and must replace some of Amad’s attacking endeavour.

CM: Manuel Ugarte—With Casemiro suspended, Ugarte appears his natural replacement. The Uruguayan should enter the XI at the expense of Kobbie Mainoo, who still awaits his first league start of the season.

CM: Bruno Fernandes—Fernandes has been at his creative best in recent matches, pulling the strings against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth. He’s managed five goal contributions in his last two games.

LWB: Patrick Dorgu—With Dalot returning to the right wing, Dorgu should earn a start on the other flank. The speedy wingback must watch out for the forward runs of Matty Cash, who has already scored against Manchester City and Arsenal this term.

RF: Matheus Cunha—At the heart of things for United against Bournemouth, Amorim will want another impressive performance from the Brazilian against a Villa defence missing Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings.

ST: Benjamin Šeško—Having not started since the beginning of November due to injury and illness, Šeško should get a chance against Bournemouth with Bryan Mbeumo on international duty. He will need to time to shake off the cobwebs.

LF: Mason Mount—Mount is enjoying a fine season and now has two goals in his last four United matches. The midfielder’s energy and technical quality is making an impact in the final third.

Casemiro, Mbeumo and Amad are all missing. / FotMob

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