Aston Villa vs Man Utd team & injury news - three ruled out and eight doubts

Manchester United will be hoping the appointment of Unai Emery doesn’t provide Aston Villa with any added inspiration ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at Villa Park.

The Midlands club have won just once in their last six outings and Emery takes charge of his first match this weekend following the dismissal of Steven Gerrard last month. The Spaniard does, however, have a few selection issues ahead of his maiden game as Villa manager.

Emiliano Martinez had to be withdrawn in last weekend’s 4-0 loss to Newcastle United and it’s unclear if he’ll be involved on Sunday. The Argentine didn’t appear to be training with the squad during the week and, should he miss out, Robin Olsen would start in his place.

Ludwig Augustinsson and Boubacar Kamara are back in training for Villa but not expected to be fit for the clash in the Midlands, while centre-back Diego Carlos is out with a long-term injury.

As for United, Bruno Fernandes is suspended and won’t be involved, nor will Raphael Varane, who is missing through injury. Erik ten Hag will also hope to call upon the services of Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial but claimed on Thursday he isn’t sure if the trio will be fit in time for the trip to Villa Park.

Asked about their fitness in his pre-match press conference, the United manager said: “It’s difficult to say in this moment. I have to talk with the medical and performance [teams]. They did a programme in Manchester. I have to hear how their progress was and if they can be available for Sunday’s match.”

Marcus Rashford is also a slight doubt after Ten Hag claimed ahead of Thursday’s Europa League win over Real Sociedad that the attacker had a muscle injury and wasn’t fit enough to start. He is, however, expected to be available from the off on Sunday and was pictured training on Friday.

Ex-Villa man Tom Heaton is United’s final doubt, although he is unlikely to play this weekend even if he’s fit. The goalkeeper wasn’t named in the squad that flew to Spain on Wednesday.

Ruled out: Carlos (Villa); Varane, Fernandes (United)

Doubts: Martinez, Augustinsson, Kamara (Villa); Heaton, Sancho, Antony, Rashford, Martial (United).