Not Mainoo: £31m Man Utd star is poised to start vs Aston Villa, big chance to prove himself

Manchester United face Aston Villa on the road in Sunday’s much-awaited Premier League clash.

Ahead of the game, manager Ruben Amorim has a potential selection headache in the final third.

Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo have flown to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations and may not return to action for the Red Devils for a while.

Mbeumo has been paired alongside Mason Mount in the attacking midfield department in the last two outings, with Matheus Cunha operating as the number nine.

That will have to change with Mbeumo out for Cameroon duty. On paper, Amorim could choose Benjamin Sesko upfront with Cunha partnering Mount in the number 10 roles.

However, that may not be the case at Villa Park. Sesko has just returned to action after more than a month with a knee injury and could be limited to another cameo appearance.

The Slovenian came on in the 69th minute in the thrilling 4-4 draw against Bournemouth. He ended up playing more than half an hour after over 10 minutes of stoppage time.

In our view, Amorim is unlikely to take a risk with the young striker. He could be limited to another substitute appearance after the hour mark against Unai Emery’s side this weekend.

This would obviously leave the manager with the option of playing Joshua Zirkzee upfront. The Dutchman has already started three league games for the Red Devils this term.

Zirkzee is not considered a guaranteed starter in the XI, but he has had his opportunities since the last international break. He scored a brilliant goal from a tight angle in the win at Crystal Palace.

The former Bologna man had his moments against Everton and West Ham United too. Jordan Pickford pulled off a brilliant save to deny him, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka made a goal-line clearance.

In hindsight, Zirkzee has fared more than decently, but there is intense speculation that he wants to join Roma this winter. The Giallorossi are eyeing a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Zirkzee, who is valued at £31 million by the Red Devils, looks poised to lead the attack against Villa. He has a big opportunity to prove his doubters wrong with a strong showing on Sunday.

Much of the focus has been on whether Kobbie Mainoo will start in defensive midfield with Casemiro suspended, but Zirkzee faces a make-or-break period in his United career this month.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .