Manchester United continue their Champions League qualification push with a trip to Aston Villa tonight (July 9) but may have do so without defender Victor Lindelof – which would see them change their starting line-up for the first time in five matches.
The Swedish centre-back has a back problem and according to the club’s official website, his participation is doubtful with Eric Bailly the replacement should he miss out with fellow defenders Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe already on the Red Devils’ injury list.
Despite having a five-day break since their 5-2 hammering of Bournemouth, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might make further changes to his side with an eye on their remaining six games this season all coming within 15 days of one another.
Despite the condensed nature of this segment of the season thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, he has named the same starting XI for the last four Premier League games.
And if he is tempted to tinker with a winning side, one option for the Norwegian is to recall Scott McTominay in place of Nemanja Matic.
“I think Scott is obviously still a young boy,” Solskjaer said.
“He’s seven or eight years younger than Nemanja [Matic] and Nemanja has been on record saying that he sees himself in Scott, so the two can bounce off each other.
“It’s never easy. I’ve told Nemanja before that Scott is going to play and he’s all right, because he rates him and vice versa.
“I’m sure Scotty can learn a lot from Nemanja. The way he’s gone about his job in the last few seasons here has been good.”
Another reason for United to take confidence into this match is their record against Villa – they have not lost to the West Midlands side in 15 competitive matches, winning seven of their last eight league meetings at Old Trafford.
Possible Man Utd starting line-up: David De Gea; Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes; Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood