10 February 2024 , 03:00
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Manchester United have hit a bit of form, winning four and drawing one of their five games in 2024 so far, but Sunday's trip to Villa Park will represent a major test for Erik ten Hag's side.
Villa were exceptional at home in 2023 and thrashed Sheffield United 5-0 in their last Premier League game. But Unai Emery's side were turned over 3-1 by Chelsea in the FA Cup in mid-week and could be vulnerable.
If United beat Villa then their recovery under Ten Hag will suddenly look much more real, with an eight-point gap to the top four still. The Dutchman has a choice to make in central defence after Lisandro Martinez was ruled out for around two months with yet another injury.
So with another weekend of Premier League football upon us, here are the latest headlines concerning United.
Ten Hag hails youngsters
United’s upturn in form has been built on the back of strong performances from three of their youngest players: Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund. The trio have been exceptional of late, contributing 11 goals in the last seven games.
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Ten Hag is all too aware of United’s history of bringing through youth and is delighted with their form. “I think they enjoy playing together, there is adventure, they’re a danger,” he said.
Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo are in great form (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)“They want to do it together and to pass to each other so that everyone can play to their qualities and everyone can score goals. It’s great if they want to do it together because this is the key, then we can have a lot of pleasure from this.
“They are young players and the future for Manchester United is quite bright with such talent on board, but you have to develop the talent. There’s a lot of space for improvement and that’s necessary if you want to go to the top levels.”
Contract decisions not made
Ten Hag was asked about the future of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans in his press conference ahead of Sunday's game against Villa. Both centre-backs are out of contract in the summer, with United at risk of losing them for nothing if no agreement can be reached. "We haven't made that decision yet," Ten Hag said.
United opted against triggering an option in Varane's deal around the turn of the year which would have given him a year's extension on the same terms, while Evans only signed a one-year deal after leaving Leicester at the end of last season. Much will depend on the direction INEOS want to take in the summer.
Agbonlahor makes Antony bet
Gabby Agbonlahor is not a fan of United winger Antony. He has labelled him an “embarrassing bluffer” and put him in his ‘flop of the season team’ for the 2022-23 campaign.
Antony is yet to contribute a goal or an assist in 19 appearances in the Premier League this season and Agbonlahor is convinced he won’t break his duck against United.
The talkSPORT presenter has made a bet with a caller which will force him to wear a United shirt with Antony’s name on the back if he scores. Antony grabbed his first goal contributions of the season by scoring and assisting in United’s 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup, but is unlikely to start on Sunday.
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