Early team news for Aston Villa visit

The 12:30 BST kick-off provides the Reds with the perfect platform to build on our unbeaten start to the league season, and produce a response to our midweek exit from the Carabao Cup, at the hands of West Ham United.

As Chelsea face Manchester City at the same time, it promises to be an intriguing weekend in the division.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made 11 changes for the tie with the Hammers on Wednesday, after the exciting 2-1 win over the east Londoners last weekend, and it handed the opportunity to several players to obtain valuable game-time and look to press their claims.

Dean Henderson and Alex Telles made senior returns after injury, while Eric Bailly and Juan Mata also appeared for the first time this season. The same can be said of lively substitute Anthony Elanga, while Phil Jones was named in the first-team squad for the first time since January 2020, when he scored against Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup.

Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood were also introduced off the bench and can be expected to come into the reckoning for a place in the XI against the Midlanders - both scored in the away win against the Villans in May, the last time the teams met.

Cristiano Ronaldo is among a number of stars available as he looks to continue his run of scoring in every game since returning to the club from Juventus. Our no.7 has netted more United goals against Villa than any other opponents - nine in 14 appearances.

Edinson Cavani's fitness will be assessed as he did not feature again in midweek due to a knock. Marcus Rashford is not expected to reappear until after next month's international break and Amad also remains sidelined.

VILLA'S TEAM NEWS

Axel Tuanzebe is ineligible to face his parent club after joining the Midlanders on a season-long loan but former Red Ashley Young could feature.

Manager Dean Smith lost midfielder Morgan Sanson to a hamstring problem during their defeat at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, while recent recruit Leon Bailey is a doubt with a quad issue.

Trezeguet is still out after undergoing knee surgery but John McGinn should be available despite suffering a head injury in the win over Everton last weekend. There is also a question mark over full-back Matt Targett's participation.