Amorim names team for Villa Park test
Ruben Amorim has named his Manchester United side for the tough away game at Aston Villa.
The Reds are out to stop the hosts recording a 10th successive win in all competitions but must manage without Noussair Mazraoui, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo, who are all on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Furthermore, Casemiro is seeing out a one-game ban, while imposing centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are still absent due to injury.
There is, unfortunately, no Kobbie Mainoo either, as the midfielder picked up a small injury in training on Saturday and is not available for the game.
Manuel Ugarte comes in to partner skipper Bruno Fernandes, while Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu starts as left wing-back. Benjamin Sesko, as expected, returns to the XI after his bright cameo off the bench against Bournemouth.
Despite much talk about a potential shift in formation, it looks like the usual 3-4-2-1 system will be in operation to start the 16:30 GMT kick-off.
Bendito Mantato is on the bench for the first time in the Premier League.
As for Villa, Emiliano Martinez returns from injury to keep goal, and ex-Red Victor Lindelof retains his place in defence.
THE TEAMS
Villa: E. Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
Substitutes: Bizot, Digne, Garcia, Routh, Bogarde, Hemmings, Guessand, Malen.
United: Lammens; Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes (c), Dorgu; Cunha, Mount; Sesko.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Heaton, Fredricson, Malacia, L. Martinez, J. Fletcher, Lacey, Mantato, Zirkzee.