This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
After a gruelling trip to face FC Astana in the Europa League on Thursday afternoon, Manchester United return to familiar shores when they take on Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made his intentions clear by selecting a youthful-looking squad and first-team for the clash against the Kazakhstani side in mid-week, and so there will be no doubt that the more established stars will all come straight back in against Villa.
The Red Devils find themselves in ninth in the Premier League table, and already nine points off the top four. Whilst a home game against a newly-promoted side may represent somewhat of a ‘easy’ fixture, Solskjaer’s men have already been upset at Old Trafford this season by the likes of Crystal Palace. They will need to be on their guard, and one man who will be tasked with stopping one of the visitors’ main threats is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who will be coming up against Jack Grealish.
On the chalkboard
The United summer signing has been one of the rare bright sparks in what has been a disappointing season overall, settling into life at Old Trafford extremely well. Whilst his attacking contributions have left a lot to be desired – he has no goals or assists for the club as of yet – his defensive tenacity cannot be questioned. Despite missing two Premier League games, he is third on the list of the most tackles made this season with 55 to his name.
He has averaged a ridiculous five tackles per game in the top-flight, and is without doubt one of the league’s elite one v one defenders. And coming up against Villa captain and talisman, Grealish, he will certainly need to be on his game. The latter has been inspirational in the Midlands side’s return to the glitz and glam of the Premier League, registering four goals and five assists across all competitions.
Since Dean Smith has moved him over to the left-hand side, the 24-year-old has managed two goals and two assists, and has looked far more influential for Villa. He averages 2.8 key passes and 1.8 dribbles, and much of his team’s attacking forays comes through him. It will therefore be up to Wan-Bissaka to ensure he doesn’t have the time on the ball to pull the strings at Old Trafford.
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It promises to be a fascinating contest between a tackling machine and a dribbling king, and one that could define the outcome of the game either way.
Meanwhile, Manchester United fans have been left in awe after former transfer target Toni Kroos’ midfield masterclass for Real Madrid in the Champions League against PSG.
