How United have prepared for Villa showdown

The late finish in the Europa League against Porto led to a planned overnight stay in the city, followed by a morning session at the Estadio do Bessa for 11 members of the squad, all hoping to be involved in our final outing before the international break.

Alejandro Garnacho, as he had played an entire half, was not part of the rigorous practice but each of the other non-starters participated. Kobbie Mainoo was involved, which was a boost after Erik ten Hag declared that the homegrown midfielder was not risked against Porto, after coming off injured in the defeat to Tottenham.

The boss indicated he would have to see if the England international, our only representative in interim manager Lee Carsley's latest squad, was fit enough to start or make the bench at Villa Park.

The full list of players taking part was Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Antony and Joshua Zirkzee.

Maguire, of course, scored to salvage a point at the Estadio do Dragao, heading home Christian Eriksen's injury-time corner, and the defender could be called upon this weekend, as Villa are firing on all cylinders, with Ollie Watkins a proven marksman and Jhon Duran continuing his outstanding start to the campaign with the winner in the superb Champions League victory over Bayern Munich in midweek.

Certainly, the short hop to Boavista's home was beneficial, it was within walking distance of the team hotel, and some fans will remember playing the surprise Primeira Liga champions of 2001 in Europe the following season, recording two 3-0 wins.

Bruno Fernandes was part of Boavista's Academy, a fact they remain proud of, and our skipper is available for selection against Villa.

The red card he received against Spurs was rescinded as United won an appeal against wrongful dismissal, while the two yellows received in his homeland will only rule our no.8 out of the away Europa League tie at Fenerbahce.

Bruno has an exceptional record against Villa, whose fans are certainly aware of this, his seven strikes in 10 games ensures they are the team he has netted most against for the Reds.

Mason Mount missed the trip to Portugal, while Marcus Rashford's half-time withdrawal was only due to rotation and not injury.

Unai Emery's men will, meanwhile, still be on a high after an emotional night on Wednesday evoked memories of their famous European Cup win, with Bayern their opponents back in 1982, in Rotterdam.

Emery was quite forthcoming about his team news during the pre-match press conference previewing the visit of United. Amadou Onana is set to shrug off a knock but there are doubts over Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey.

"Both Ramsey and Bailey are now doubts," he said. "I don't know if they are going to be available for Sunday. They are so, so tight. If they are available, they are not going to be 100 per cent fit.

"But we need every player. Amadou is a doubt but I think he will be available. His is not really a serious injury but, playing matches during the week and at the weekend, we have to be clinical in our decision close to arriving at the next match."

Captain John McGinn remains out with a hamstring problem, while Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara are also sidelined.