Will Philippe Coutinho make his Aston Villa debut against Manchester United?

By Michael Plant

Sports reporter

Published 12th Jan 2022, 10:57 BST

Updated 14th Jan 2022, 16:57 BST

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The ex-Liverpool midfielder could renew his rivalry with the Red Devils this week - we look at his record against United.

Philippe Coutinho was confirmed as an Aston Villa player on Tuesday night and could make his debut for the club when they face Manchester United this weekend.

The player’s loan-to-buy move had been announced last week but after his work permit and medical were completed, the deal has now been officially confirmed.

It means the former Liverpool star could make his debut for the Villans in Saturday’s Premier League clash at Villa Park, which kicks-off at 5.30pm.

Coutinho last played against Villa in 2022. Credit: Getty. — Coutinho last played against Villa in 2022. Credit: Getty. | Getty Images

Coutinho last played against Villa in 2022. Credit: Getty. — Coutinho last played against Villa in 2022. Credit: Getty. | Getty Images

Will Coutinho start?

Speaking in Friday’s pre-match press conference Steven Gerrard said: They [Coutinho and Lucas Digne] are both available and in contention for tomorrow.

Pushed further on Coutinho, the Villa manager added: “He’s not match fit because at Barcelona he’s been doing a lot of individual training in small groups. Also, he had a Covid situation as well. He’s trained fully for the last couple of days. There’s still a great player there, that’s for sure.”

United won Monday’s FA Cup meeting 1-0, with Scott McTominay scoring the only goal of the game. Credit: Getty. — United won Monday’s FA Cup meeting 1-0, with Scott McTominay scoring the only goal of the game. Credit: Getty. | Manchester United via Getty Imag

United won Monday’s FA Cup meeting 1-0, with Scott McTominay scoring the only goal of the game. Credit: Getty. — United won Monday’s FA Cup meeting 1-0, with Scott McTominay scoring the only goal of the game. Credit: Getty. | Manchester United via Getty Imag

The new Villa No.23 has played 16 games so far this season for Barcelona, but only five of those have been starts. He’s also not played 90 minutes once in 2021/22.

Villa started with a midfield three of John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey at Old Trafford on Monday, but will have to make at least one alteration on Saturday with McGinn suspended. Morgan Sanson is the most obvious option to come in as the Scotsman’s replacement.

Coutinho’s record against United

The 29-year-old has come up against the Red Devils 11 times in his career, seven of which have come in the Premier League with Liverpool. From those games Coutinho did not register a goal or assist.

He also faced United twice in the Europa League during his time at Anfield, with the Merseysiders going through over two legs and Coutinho scoring in the away fixture.

The midfielder came up against the Red Devils while Barcelona as well, eliminating United in the 2019 Champions League quarter-finals, with Coutinho netting in the 3-0 victory at the Nou Camp.

Overall, Coutinho has a good record against United, winning five of his 11 previous meetings, drawing on four occasions and losing just twice.

Steven Gerrard Aston Villa Barcelona Premier League

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