Harry Maguire is running out of games to improve his match sharpness for the World Cup.
Maguire made only his eighth Manchester United appearance of the season, bizarrely coming on as a striker alongside Cristiano Ronaldo against Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday. The England centre-half had been dropped by Erik ten Hag after making his first Premier League start against West Ham last Sunday since August 13.
Maguire only played against the Hammers because Victor Lindelof was ill and Raphael Varane was injured and he is expected to be on the bench again at Villa Park on Sunday. Lindelof started against Sociedad alongside Lisandro Martinez and Ten Hag has confirmed the Swede’s substitution was tactical rather than enforced through injury.
Ten Hag was diplomatic when asked about his thoughts for his centre-half pairing for Aston Villa, but it is clear Maguire is no longer one of his first-choice selections.
“I have to think about it,” said the United boss. “I have to see Aston Villa and it’s going to be difficult because we don’t know, they have a new manager. So I have to have a look and analyse that team and then we have a choice.
“But, Licha [Martinez] and Victor played really well together over some games and I think also Licha and Harry on Sunday against West Ham United too. They also had a clean sheet and they also did really well. It’s a choice I make. When I choose one there is nothing against the other.”
Ten Hag’s other poser is who to play in the No 10 role because Bruno Fernandes is suspended. Donny van de Beek was ineffectual in that position against Sociedad in his first United start under Ten Hag and it’s hard to see the Reds boss going with him again.
Christian Eriksen is an option and it may depend on who out of the injured trio of Antony, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho are fit. Ten Hag was unsure when he spoke after Thursday’s game who may be back.
“It’s difficult to say in this moment,” he said. “I have to talk with the medical team. They did a programme in Manchester, I have to hear how that went and if they can be available for Sunday.”
Marcus Rashford is almost certain to start, having been left out on Thursday, while Casemiro is expected to continue in midfield and Tyrell Malacia could return at left-back.
Manchester United: De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, McTominay; Elanga, Eriksen, Rashford; Ronaldo.
