MU vs Aston Villa lineup review: The Red Devils are at a disadvantage
MU vs Aston Villa: A confrontation between two contrasting squads – one side exhausted after a disappointing season, the other side full of ambition to go further.
The MU vs Aston Villa match at 10pm on May 25 will be the farewell of the two teams to the 2024/25 Premier League season, but the context in which they enter the field is completely opposite. While MU is still not over the defeat in the Europa League final, Aston Villa is full of spirit, hoping to enter the top 5 to win a ticket to the Champions League.
In terms of strength, Manchester United's squad is still unstable. Lisandro Martinez is injured for a long time, Matthijs de Ligt is uncertain to play, forcing coach Ruben Amorim to continue testing the defense. Young center-back Leny Yoro can play alongside Maguire and Lindelof in a three-center-back formation, but this also means that MU's defense lacks solidity. Key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Onana are still on the field, but their form this season is not enough to save a MU in free fall.
Up front, Joshua Zirkzee, Diallo and Garnacho are expected to make a difference, but the Red Devils have only scored two goals in their last five Premier League games. Team morale is low, and doubts over Amorim's future only add to the gloom.
In contrast, Aston Villa’s squad shows depth and stability. Despite the absence of Tielemans due to injury and the absence of Rashford – a player on loan from MU, coach Unai Emery still has an effective framework with names such as Kamara, McGinn, Asensio and especially key striker Ollie Watkins. The return of Jacob Ramsey after suspension further strengthens Villa’s midfield.
Villa's defence has also impressed, with Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa combining well, while Pau Torres and Digne have kept the team solid. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez - who has been linked with a move away - has been in fine form and is likely to have an emotional farewell at Old Trafford.
Overall, MU is having to patch things up in crisis, while Villa has cohesion and clear goals. Although the history of confrontation is in favor of MU, the current moment shows that the balance is tilted towards the away team.
Prediction: MU 0-2 Aston Villa
