ALEX TELLES may be a doubt for Manchester United’s New Year’s Day clash with Aston Villa.
That could see Luke Shaw return to the side at left-back in a straight swap.
This is how Manchester United could line up for their New Year’s Day clash with Aston Villa
Luke Shaw may come back into the side with Alex Telles a doubtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Brazilian Telles, 28, was taken off at half-time in the win over Wolves on Tuesday.
He suffered a heavy challenge during the opening 45 minutes but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted the decision to bring Shaw on was purely tactical.
Either way, the Red Devils boss may decide to mix things up against Villa by returning Shaw to the starting XI and resting Telles.
He would therefore complete a back four – likely with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire.
Victor Lindelof’s back injury sustained against Leicester forced him out of the Wolves win and he is set to miss the Old Trafford clash against Dean Smith’s side, too.
David De Gea should start between the sticks.
He went down after Adama Traore JOGGED into him late on in the Tuesday victory, seemingly winded but also holding his shoulder.
After receiving treatment, the Spanish stopper carried on as Marcus Rashford scored a 93rd-minute winner to claim all three points.
Should De Gea still be struggling from the accidental collision with his compatriot, Solskjaer knows he can call upon Dean Henderson to fill the spot.
Further forward, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic operated as the sitting midfield duo against Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.
But Solskjaer could revert back to his favoured pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred for New Year’s Day as United face a Villa unbeaten in five.
The flurry of matches could see Donny van de Beek given a rare start alongside Matic with Pogba retaining his place further forward.
However, the more likely option will see Pogba dropped to the bench and Bruno Fernandes in the No10 role.
Edinson Cavani will certainly miss out because he is banned for three matches after accepting an FA charge for his ‘negrito’ comment on social media.
That means Anthony Martial is expected to lead the line against a Villa defence who have conceded just once in that run of three wins and two draws.
Rashford’s goal on Tuesday means he may well keep his place while Daniel James could come back in for Mason Greenwood on the right to keep things fresh.
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This is another option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who could turn to Donny van de Beek
Marcus Rashford scored the only goal of the game on Tuesday deep into injury timeCredit: AFP
Anthony Martial could be brought back into the starting XI against Dean Smith’s sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Solskjaer says Man Utd had a fantastic attitude and earned that goal with their mentality and desire
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
