Aston Villa's Premier League title credentials face another major test this Sunday as they host a severely depleted Manchester United side at Villa Park.
Villa's Title Momentum Meets United's Selection Crisis
Unai Emery's Aston Villa, sitting third in the table behind Arsenal and Manchester City, welcome the Red Devils on Sunday, 16th December 2025. The Midlands club are in formidable form, having recently secured a dramatic 3-2 away win against West Ham United. A Morgan Rogers brace and a Konstantinos Mavropanos own goal sealed the three points, fuelling belief in a sustained title challenge over the busy festive period.
Their opponents, however, arrive in the West Midlands grappling with a significant personnel shortage. Manchester United will be without six first-team players for the clash, presenting a substantial hurdle for manager Ruben Amorim.
Why Manchester United Are Missing Six Players
The Red Devils' absentee list is a mix of international duty, suspension, and injury. The club has been hit by the Africa Cup of Nations, with Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui all departing to represent their countries.
In a further blow, experienced midfielder Casemiro is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards. The defensive ranks have also been decimated, with centre-back pairing Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt both ruled out through injury and not expected to return in time for the Villa Park fixture.
The only positive note is the availability of striker Benjamin Sesko, who made a substitute appearance in United's last outing.
Can Villa Exploit United's Defensive Frailties?
United's vulnerabilities were starkly exposed in a chaotic 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday night. Despite goals from Amad, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Matheus Cunha, defensive lapses cost them two points.
A visibly frustrated Amorim analysed the result, stating: "It's really disappointing... Crazy game. I think we lost the two points in the first half. We dominated and created so many chances. We had to go to half-time with a different result." He pinpointed a familiar loss of concentration early in the second half as a critical failing.
This pattern presents a clear opportunity for Aston Villa. While United have demonstrated a potent attack, their defensive instability has been a recurring downfall. With key figures missing at the back and in defensive midfield, Villa's in-form attackers will be licking their lips.
For Villa, maintaining their current momentum is paramount. With the January transfer window approaching, the potential addition of new faces, particularly in attack, could further bolster a squad already dreaming of a historic Premier League crown. Sunday's match against a weakened United offers a perfect chance to apply more pressure on the league's frontrunners.
