Manchester United v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread January 1st 8pm

[Astnor]

Confident of at least  point, watched the game last night and they looked very average and only won through a deflection. Fernandez is quality and Rashfords pace could cause us problems but not much else to fear.

1-1 Watkins.

They are likely to change their team quite a bit. I'd say Fred and McTominany will come back in for Pogba (dreadful again) and Matic. Shaw for Telles and Martial for Cavani. Greenwood very poor again, maybe James for him. I think it will be a much different game against us so would nearly disregard the Wolves game as we won't defend from our 18 yard box. If they setup the same again, Grealish would have a field day against AWB. McTominany will be asked to double up down that flank.

I think this is right. I think they will be better against us than against Wolves. They have rested a few cause they thought Wolves would be easier to beat than us. I watched some of their game against wolves, they didnt look good as a team but difficult to break down with some defensive players difficult to get past. And as they are Man U they will go for being in the match till they get their luck ish or controversial goal late on. It seems that their tradition with this give them confidence that it will happen again and that does matter/ counts for something. I m happy if we can get a point and no injuries or suspension. Anyway we will still be one of the best teams in the League (with or without the point).

[AlexAlexCropley]

Hope Fernandez gets sent off.Sly scrote.

[Brend'Watkins]

We should load up on Maguire when he has the ball. He fancies himself as a playmaker, he isn’t, he’s just a lumbering ox.

[ChicagoLion]

They have some very dangerous players but defensively they are vulnerable.
It will take a hell of a performance to beat them but we have a shout.

[RichardBatchelor]

Confident of at least  point, watched the game last night and they looked very average and only won through a deflection. Fernandez is quality and Rashfords pace could cause us problems but not much else to fear.

1-1 Watkins.

True, true, but nobody seems to be factoring in the fact that we’ve beaten them once in about 60 matches. We won’t win. Draw maybe.

[wittonwarrior]

I’d take a draw now to be honest

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

We beat them in a pre-season friendly at their place!

[CT]

Bit bored watching Swansea v Reading.

Our game gets advertised and the commentator says “Manchester United against the fearless Aston Villa”.

I like it.

[TonyD]

Pace and confidence is the key. 

Dean should go for them from the off.  With a midfield and attacking formation he can use 3 subs at 70 mins.  3 fresh bods in one go to get us up to 7 goals. 

Like to see Ramsey start.   

This game is huge.

[brontebilly]

Confident of at least  point, watched the game last night and they looked very average and only won through a deflection. Fernandez is quality and Rashfords pace could cause us problems but not much else to fear.

1-1 Watkins.

They are likely to change their team quite a bit. I'd say Fred and McTominany will come back in for Pogba (dreadful again) and Matic. Shaw for Telles and Martial for Cavani. Greenwood very poor again, maybe James for him. I think it will be a much different game against us so would nearly disregard the Wolves game as we won't defend from our 18 yard box. If they setup the same again, Grealish would have a field day against AWB. McTominany will be asked to double up down that flank.

I think this is right. I think they will be better against us than against Wolves. They have rested a few cause they thought Wolves would be easier to beat than us. I watched some of their game against wolves, they didnt look good as a team but difficult to break down with some defensive players difficult to get past. And as they are Man U they will go for being in the match till they get their luck ish or controversial goal late on. It seems that their tradition with this give them confidence that it will happen again and that does matter/ counts for something. I m happy if we can get a point and no injuries or suspension. Anyway we will still be one of the best teams in the League (with or without the point).

They played a lot better at Leicester a week or so ago. Definitely the better side but Rashford missed some big chances. We will have plenty of the ball, no matter who they select they are easy to keep possession against. They will be petrified of Grealish getting one on one v AWB early on. Early yellow there would be ideal.

[Risso]

You never know what you're going to get with Man U.  They've got some excellent players in Fernandes, Rashford and Greenwood, and a fair amount of pace all over the pitch.  When they click despite OGS's best efforts, they're more than a match for anybody.  When they don't fancy it, they're garbage.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

0-1 watkins pen Maguire brings down JG in the box .......

He could pick him up and throw him in the stadium and we wouldn’t get a penalty there tbh. Not happening.

Just hope you have to come back to me and say "you were right" :-))

[sid1964]

Can’t wait to listen to the commentary - how long before they say “United are back where the belong fighting for the title”

Or they mention Grealish having the opportunity to play for them next season

I cannot stand that club - I never watch them when they are in the television- The company I work for our FD is a United season ticket holder and he is so arrogant when he talks about them - I just hope we go there and win

[andyh]

We beat them in a pre-season friendly at their place!

It was at Villa Park, so I suppose you are technically correct.

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

We beat them in a pre-season friendly at their place!

It was at Villa Park, so I suppose you are technically correct.

You're right, there's some footage of it in an article on the Villa site. At the time it went under the radar a bit as did the win over the Arse.