Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must forget about the FA Cup until March’s home tie with Liverpool comes around given their important set of upcoming fixtures in the Premier League.
11.02.2024 - 09:17 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United continue their revived top-four charge against fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm). That showdown will take centre stage in the Premier League after back-to-back wins for United against Wolves and West Ham boosted their morale.
Villa, meanwhile, were swept aside by Chelsea in the FA Cup midweek. The corresponding top-flight game against Villa finished 3-2 with Rasmus Hojlund netting the winner in a dramatic comeback.
The promising Denmark striker has scored four goals in as many Premier League outings since that strike. Here, we take a closer look at what three pundits - including ex-Villa player Paul Merson and Chris Sutton - are predicting to happen for United at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon:
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Two weeks ago, I'd have said Aston Villa straightaway as they were on a run of 15 successive wins at home. Their last two home games at Villa Park barring the Sheffield United one have been worrying, to say the least.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have so much pace on the counter attack and are feeling good again, so I can't see Villa dealing with their threat. I usually never fancy Manchester United away from home, but I think Villa have been sussed out at home in recent weeks, so I'm going for a 2-2 draw.
However, if I had to pick a winner, I would go for Manchester United.
Kobbie Mainoo's emergence has been a bright spark. The lad was a bit nervous when he first came into the team, but he has really imposed himself in recent weeks and looks a top-class talent. The goal he scored the other day against Wolves was absolutely
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must forget about the FA Cup until March’s home tie with Liverpool comes around given their important set of upcoming fixtures in the Premier League.
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As the Premier League season intensifies, Manchester City's upcoming clash against AFC Bournemouth is set to be a crucial encounter. The reigning champions, under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, have seen their 11-game winning streak halted by a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. This unexpected result, coupled with a narrow 1-0 victory over Brentford courtesy of Erling Haaland's second-half strike, has shown signs of vulnerability in City's armour.
As the Premier League season intensifies, Manchester United is set to face Fulham at Old Trafford this Saturday afternoon. The Red Devils, under the leadership of Erik ten Hag, are on a winning streak, having secured victories in their last four top-flight matches. Their most recent triumph was a hard-fought 2-1 win against Luton.
Manchester City will be looking to maintain pressure on the title race but in order to do that they will of course need to address their attacking issues of late. Just one goal in their last two league matches is not ideal especially with the number of shots they had last weekend against Chelsea.
Manchester United will have to make do without striker Rasmus Hojlund when they face Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon because of a muscular problem.
Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend with a clash against Fulham.
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Erik ten Hag is still being forced to deal with having several Manchester United players on the sidelines through injury.
Jack Grealish is set to return for Manchester City's crunch games in March after a scan revealed a better injury diagnosis than expected.
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Michael Owen has called for Scott McTominay to be given a more regular role in Manchester United's side after his latest match-winner against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo is not expected to make an immediate decision on his international future - despite increasing interest from England boss Gareth Southgate.
Diogo Dalot has picked his moments for assists this season. The first teed up Alejandro Garnacho for the goal of the season and the second invited Scott McTominay to resume his matchwinner mode.
Manchester United are finding form at the right time under Erik ten Hag following a difficult Christmas period. The Reds are now back in the hunt for Champions League football with three months of action remaining.