Unai Emery has confirmed his Aston Villa starting lineup for this afternoon's pivotal Premier League encounter with Manchester United at Villa Park, with a significant boost in goal.
Team News: Martinez Makes Welcome Return
Emiliano Martinez reclaims his place between the posts for Aston Villa, having successfully recovered from a back issue that kept him sidelined. His return is the sole change from the side that secured victory against West Ham United last weekend.
The defensive unit in front of Martinez consists of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelof, and Ian Maatsen. In midfield, the double pivot of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana will provide the foundation, allowing Youri Tielemans to operate in a more advanced creative role.
The attacking threat will be spearheaded by captain John McGinn and Morgan Rogers, who are tasked with supporting central striker Ollie Watkins.
Historical Context and Stakes at Villa Park
The historical record heavily favours the visitors. Aston Villa have managed just a single win in their last 26 Premier League home fixtures against Manchester United, a memorable 3-1 triumph in November 2022 which marked Unai Emery's first match in charge.
United have recorded 41 league victories over Villa, with 18 of those achieved away from Old Trafford. However, the current form guide tells a different story. Only Manchester City have accrued more Premier League home points in 2025 than Villa, and Emery's squad have suffered the fewest home defeats of any ever-present top-flight side this season.
What a Victory Would Mean for the Table
The implications of today's result are substantial for the European qualification picture. A win for Aston Villa would see them open up a seven-point cushion over Chelsea in fourth place, a psychological advantage ahead of next week's direct showdown at Stamford Bridge.
Furthermore, they would move nine points clear of the team in sixth. For Erik ten Hag's Manchester United, three points are crucial to reduce the deficit to Villa to just four points and reignite their own aspirations for a Champions League berth.
Aston Villa starting XI vs Man Utd: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen, Kamara, Onana, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Watkins.
Substitutes: Bizot, Digne, Garcia, Routh, Bogarde, Hemmings, Buendia, Malen, Guessand.
