Credit: Imago

Tom Griffin

Sun 21 December 2025 15:29, UK

Aston Villa host Manchester United in the Premier League, and Unai Emery has made some key decisions with his starting lineup.

After Arsenal ran out as 1-0 winners against Everton and Manchester City comfortably dispatched West Ham 3-0, Villa entered their clash with Man United six points behind the Gunners in third position.

Aston Villa haven’t been given a chance in the Premier League title race by some pundits, including Wayne Rooney, but it’s impossible to ignore their credentials.

Villa’s 3-2 comeback win over West Ham last time out was their sixth successive top-flight win, setting up a potentially mouth-watering showdown with the Red Devils.

Victor Lindelof keeps his place in Aston Villa lineup vs Man United

Emi Martinez was an injury doubt heading into Sunday’s fixture, but the Argentine returned to the starting lineup, replacing Marco Bizot.

LINE-UPS | #AVLMUN

🟣 AVL: Martínez, Cash, Konsa, Lindelöf, Maatsen, Kamara, Onana, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Watkins

👹 MUN: Lammens, Yoro, Heaven, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu, Cunha, Mount, Šeško#FPL

— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) December 21, 2025

The 33-year-old was Emery’s only change from their victory at the London Stadium, and it was a welcome one.

Victor Lindelof also started once more after his promising performance against the Hammers, with the Swede partnering Ezri Konsa in defence.

Some may have questioned the inclusion of Ollie Watkins, though it wasn’t a surprise to see the Englishman continue in the lineup.

• Read More: Aston Villa ready Ter Stegen transfer already after Emi Martinez exit reveal

Aston Villa’s H2H record vs Man United

In a clash with several quality players, Aston Villa need to be wary of Bruno Fernandes, who has scored more goals in this fixture than against any other club.

Alarmingly, Emery’s side have a poor recent record against United, winning only one of their last seven matches – a 3-1 win at Villa Park in November 2022.

Arguably, the home side haven’t had a better chance of ending their recent woes in this fixture to bolster their Premier League title ambitions.

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