Manchester United have a home fixture at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, one which fans will feel a little nervous about.
The team’s home form has been poor this season compared to the excellent run throughout 2022/23.
The next game at Old Trafford is against in-form Aston Villa, who are in amid the top four, on merit after recent victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
Kamara suspended for Aston Villa
One minor boost for Manchester United is the development that arose during Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Brentford at the weekend.
Midfielder Boubacar Kamara was sent off in injury time, handed a straight red card amid a melee between the two teams.
Kamara will now serve a three-game suspension which will rule him out of Aston Villa’s match with Manchester United, the second of the three games he stands to miss.
The Frenchman has been in excellent form, providing the assist for one of Villa’s goals in their weekend win, and started in both wins over Arsenal and City.
The former Marseille man was linked to Manchester United before moving to Villa on a free transfer in 2022, with The Athletic claiming interest from the Red Devils.
Villa will still pose a stern test
Unai Emery’s side have been in strong form and will look to make another major statement with a win at Old Trafford.
Last season Manchester United won the fixture 1-0, with Bruno Fernandes scoring the goal. He will be back from the suspension he served against Liverpool.
Emery’s side meanwhile won the game at Villa Park 3-1, his first game as manager, which turned out to be Cristiano Ronaldo‘s final game in a Manchester United shirt.