Manchester United are aiming to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, with Erik ten Hag desperately chasing his next three points as the pressure mounts on the Dutchman.
United have failed to score in their last 4 games in all competitions and in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham United, their 13th this season, a figure only matched in 1930, so early in a season.
Indeed, the season is not living up to expectations and Ten Hag faces another big cheque on Boxing Day when Unai Emery’s Aston Villa arrive at Old Trafford.
The Villa Park club were one point behind the Premier League’s best heading into the round and arrive at Old Trafford as favourites.
Ten Hag made a number of adjustments regarding the defeat at West Ham, with Marcus Rashford reintroduced after a brief period of absence.
Kobbie Mainoo retains his position after a series of performances, with Christian Eriksen alongside the youngster.
Willy Kambwala made his debut for the Reds at the London Stadium in the absence of Raphael Varane, the Frenchman returns tonight.
Speaking ahead of the game, Ten Hag explained some of the reasons for his decisions, explaining that Rashford had been battling illness for a long time, which could have explained his time on the bench.
“First of all, he was sick for a while, but you also have to take into account Garnacho’s very intelligent performances,” Ten Hag told Amazon, via Manchester United’s official website.
“We also have to acknowledge that we couldn’t score and he’s a player who scores. We looked for solutions, betting on Garnacho on the right and Marcus on the left, with Hojlund in the middle and Bruno close to those 3 attackers.
“We expect responses there, [with] their creativity, their speed and they have to play very straightforwardly. “
The Reds’ win may be a huge catalyst for the replacement in what has so far been a dismal season. Another defeat could cause irreversible damage.
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