Manchester United vs Aston Villa: Premier League Preview

The Red Devils suffered a devastating end to their European run on Wednesday, falling 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. It marked not only a trophyless season but the club’s lowest-ever Premier League era finish and only the second time in 35 years they will not compete in any European competition. Ruben Amorim’s side enter the final matchday sitting 16th in the table with just 39 points—both club-record lows in the Premier League era—and a loss on Sunday would be their 19th of the season.

Old Trafford has not been the fortress it once was. United have already equalled their record for home defeats in a single league campaign (nine), last set over 60 years ago. Amorim’s team are winless in their last eight league outings (D2 L6), but there is some solace in their historical dominance over Villa: United have beaten the West Midlands side 40 times in the Premier League—only Everton have lost more often to the Red Devils.

Villa, however, are not the same team of old. Emery has overseen a resurgence, with his team winning nine of their last 11 Premier League matches, including a crucial 2-0 victory over Spurs in their most recent outing. While they currently sit sixth, level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle United, Villa must better the result of at least one of those sides to break into the top five and potentially clinch a Champions League spot.

Their fate isn’t entirely in their hands, but confidence remains high in the Villa camp, who have already guaranteed European football next season. Still, they have historically struggled on the final day away from home—winning just one of their last 26 such fixtures (D7 L18)—though they have taken eight points from their last seven league meetings with United.

For United, Lisandro Martinez remains unavailable due to a knee injury, and Matthijs de Ligt remains a doubt. Amorim may rotate after the Europa League final, with Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, and Joshua Zirkzee among those pushing to start. Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and winger Alejandro Garnacho could also feature prominently.

Villa will be without on-loan forward Marcus Rashford, who is ineligible to face his parent club, while Youri Tielemans (calf) remains a major doubt. Jacob Ramsey returns from suspension and could slot into midfield, while Unai Emery may again opt for Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa in defence. Emiliano Martinez—linked with a move to Saudi Arabia—could make his final appearance in goal for the club.

With Champions League football on the line for Villa and United searching for a cathartic end to a painful season, Sunday’s clash carries plenty of emotional and competitive weight, even if the stakes are lopsided.