Ten Hag explains team to face Villa
Erik ten Hag's Manchester United side to take on Aston Villa has been announced.
The Reds can take a big step towards cementing a top-four place in the Premier League with victory against the in-form Midlanders, whose outstanding run has propelled them into sixth place in the table, six points behind United. Unai Emery's side have played two more fixtures, however, and Ten Hag's men will appreciate the chance to kick on after conceding a two-goal lead at Tottenham, last time out.
The boss has opted to make two changes to the XI that started the draw with Spurs, which could see Bruno Fernandes shifted to the right, with Harry Maguire fit enough to return on the bench.
Erik: We have to divide the load
Erik ten Hag explains why Antony and Wan-Bissaka are on the bench against Aston Villa...
Tyrell Malacia's introduction means Diogo Dalot will revert to right-back, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka is among the substitutes. Marcel Sabitzer should provide extra energy, after not seeing any game-time in north London, but is likely to operate centrally, with captain Fernandes shunted to a wider role to replace Antony.
Alejandro Garnacho is back in training but, as expected, this fixture has come too soon for the exciting winger.
"We have a lot of games so we have to rotate," he told the BBC. "So now and then to divide the load of the players."
"They [Villa] didn't surprise me. It's a great manager, they have great players, and they were too low at the start of the season. They came up, don't have midweeks so they can prepare from week to week. That's an advantage and they do really well. It's clear and obvious they have a good strategy."
Speaking to MUTV, the manager said: "We have to divide the load of the players, that's one, also from a tactical perspective, you have a thought and you have a plan, and that's why the changes.
"He [Antony] has played so much so we have to protect him as well. Also, from a tactical point of view, I think it's a good choice to do it this way."
United: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen; Fernandes (c), Sabitzer, Sancho; Rashford.
Substitutes: Butland, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, Williams, Fred, Antony, Martial, Pellistri, Weghorst.
Aston Villa: Martinez; A. Young, Konsa, Mings, Moreno; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Dedoncker, Ramsey; Buendia; Watkins.
Substitutes: Olsen, Diego Carlos, Chambers, Digne, Revan, O'Reilly, K. Young, Duran, Traore.