Ronaldo provides fitness update

Our no.7 was forced to sit out Monday night's win over the Midlanders in the Emirates FA Cup third round, due to a small muscular problem, but he is striving to train normally ahead of the clash at Villa Park.

The forward has been in every matchday squad in the Premier League, since arriving back at the club from Juventus in the summer.

"I'm good," he told Premier League Productions at Carrington. "I just have a little touch but, you know, it's part of my work.

"You know, we have to feel some pain sometimes. It's nothing big and I hope to be good soon."

When asked by former MUTV presenter Steve Bower if he will feature at Villa, Ronaldo replied: "I hope so. We will try on Thursday. I will try to train as normal. Let's see how the body reacts.

"Fingers crossed. I'm confident."

Our leading scorer this term is desperate to help the Reds climb the table after a difficult period, with a second match in succession against a tough Villa side presenting an opportunity to get things back on track in the Premier League after the home defeat to Wolves.

"I know my body," he added. "One hundred per cent. I'm mature and experience gives you the possibility for you to understand your mind, your body and everything around football.

"So it's good. I'm a different person, a different player [to my younger self] but the ambition is still the same. 

"I want to play and help the team."

United are definitely without suspended pair Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay for Saturday's 17:30 GMT kick-off.

Villa will be missing John McGinn, who is also banned, but could hand debuts to new signings Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho.

Reds boss Ralf Rangnick is likely to provide a team news update during Friday's press conference, which will be covered on MUTV, in the Official App and on ManUtd.com.