When Manchester United plays Aston Villa in the Premier League today, they’ll be hoping to build on their recent success, which has seen them win four of their last five games.

Erik ten Hag will find comfort in the knowledge that his team overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Villa 3-2 on Boxing Day, even though the Midlands team may present a serious threat.

The Manchester United Erik Ten Hag
Due to several injury issues, Lisandro Martínez will not be available for the match tomorrow, as the Dutchman will be out for a considerable amount of time.

News of Lisandro Martínez’s injuries

In the first few months of the 2022–2023 season, the former Ajax defender had an amazing start to his United career, making 45 games before missing the last few months because of a metatarsal fracture.

He made a comeback during the first few weeks of this season, but he didn’t play again until last month against Tottenham Hotspur due to another foot injury.

Manchester United Martínez Varane Premier League
Against West Ham United, his unfortunate streak persisted. The World Cup winner will likely miss the next eight weeks due to damage to his medial collateral ligament in his knee.

Ten Hag will now have a difficult time deciding who will replace the small defender.

Raphael Varane replaced Martinez in the match against the Irons, and he should be the one to start alongside Harry Maguire in the starting lineup versus Villa tonight.

Raphael Varane’s season-long stats

The French defender should have no trouble replacing the former Ajax center-back because he has a tonne of experience and was called “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2019.

Varane has had a very uneven season so far, making 21 appearances across all competitions, but he has only started 15 games because of a string of injuries.

Raphael Varane on December 26, 2023, against Aston Villa

Precise passing

41

Attacks

2.

Interceptions

3.

Complete duels prevailed.

5.

Lost of possession

8

Statistics sourced from Sofascore

The Frenchman showed that he deserves to be unleashed from the start this afternoon against West Ham last week, as he adjusted brilliantly to coming on with just 19 minutes remaining. He won 100% of his aerial duels, made two clearances and completed 94% of his passes.

The 30-year-old participated in the entire ninety minutes of the Boxing Day comeback victory against Villa. The former Real Madrid player performed admirably the entire way, even if United gave up twice.

In addition to winning five of his seven duels in total, the defender demonstrated his defensive strength throughout the ninety minutes by making two tackles, clearing three interceptions, and only losing possession eight times.

Ten Hag should have more proof from this performance that the six-foot-four monster is the right person to step in and take Martinez’s place in the lineup.

The opinion of Leo Ostiggard Rafael Varane Tottenham
With a victory, United might get closer to the top four, and it will give them more confidence as the Red Devils’ games approach quickly.

The Old Trafford supporters would definitely forgive Ten Hag and his team if they can finish the season strong, especially if they continue their recent string of strong performances. Ten Hag and his charges had a challenging start to the season.