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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

Ronaldo and Fred to start - Manchester United fans pick starting XI vs Aston Villa

Manchester United supporters have opted to make several changes to the side that defeated Real Sociedad ahead of the Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag's men return to domestic action after being condemned to a Europa League play-off tie, having only managed to win by one goal against Sociedad in midweek. United needed to triumph by two or more goals in order to leapfrog the Spaniard's into top spot in Group E, but only managed a 1-0 victory.

Despite this, the Reds have been in impressive form in the Premier League in recent months and currently sit fifth in the league table, however, they do have a game in hand over fourth-placed Newcastle United.

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With an important clash against Villa in the top flight, MEN Sport's United readers have opted to choose a strong line-up for the match against the Midlands outfit. Below is who they have chosen.

Goalkeeper - David de Gea

De Gea has been in stunning form in recent weeks, particularly against West Ham last weekend and versus Sociedad in midweek. He is a certain starter against Villa, unless anything drastic happens before kick-off.

Defenders - Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw

With Raphael Varane still sidelined with an injury, Reds fans have backed Victor Lindelof to partner Lisandro Martinez at the heart of defence.

Luke Shaw has asserted himself as the first-choice left-back, while Diogo Dalot is lacking competition on the right side, and is once again expected to feature from the start.

Midfielders - Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Fred

Fernandes is suspended for Sunday's match with Villa, so one of the club's other midfielders are going to get a chance to play alongside Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, who have both now won a Player of the Month award.

It was likely to be Fred, and fans have also stated that they want the Brazilian to replace the suspended Fernandes in the middle of the park.

Forwards - Antony, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford

Although Antony remains a doubt for the clash against Villa, he could be fit enough to play - with supporters backing the tricky winger to come back into the side.

With Anthony Martial still out injured, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature against Villa. The Portuguese star has endured a difficult campaign so far, but still retains the backing of a large proportion of the fanbase.

Marcus Rashford came off the bench against Sociedad in midweek, but the England international is almost certain to return and replace Alejandro Garnacho on the left flank.

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