Aston Villa vs Man Utd confirmed starting XIs - surprise United inclusion as Emery makes one change
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Aston Villa make just one change as Unai Emery comes in to make his managerial debut against Manchester United. The Red Devils offer quite the challenge to the new man in the dugout, who takes over a Villans side in 17th place in the Premier League.
Villa fans will be relieved to hear Emiliano Martinez starts in goal after suffering a concussion against Newcastle United last time out. Ollie Watkins leads the line as Danny Ings drops to the bench.
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Hide AdTyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa retain their spots at centre back, meanwhile, Leander Dendoncker and Douglas Luiz form a pairing at the base of midfield. Jacob Ramsey, Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey are those supporting Watkins up top.
Cristiano Ronaldo comes back in for United at striker. The Portuguese superstar will play alongside Marcus Rashford and surprise inclusion Alejandro Garnacho, who netted in the Red Devils’ win over Real Sociedad midweek.
Meanwhile, Dutch international Donny van de Beek slots into midfield - another surprising choice by manager Erik ten Hag. Without further ado, here are the full starting lineups and substitutes benches ahead of Villa vs United.
Aston Villa starting XI and subs vs Manchester United


Starting XI: Martinez (GK & C), Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Dendoncker, Luiz, Ramsey, Buendia, Bailey, Watkins.
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Hide AdSubs: Olsen (GK), McGinn, Sanson, Ings, Chambers, Augustinsson, Young, Bednarek, Kamara.
Manchester United starting XI and subs vs Aston Villa
Starting XI: De Gea (GK), Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Eriksen, Van de Beek, Rashford, Ronaldo, Garnacho.
Subs: Dubravka (GK), Maguire, Malacia, Fred, McTominay, Pellistri, Elanga, Martial, Shoretire.
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