Steven Gerrard travels to Old Trafford for the first time as a manager, taking his Aston Villa side to face Manchester United in the FA Cup 3rd Round.
In the opposite dugout to Gerrard, Ralf Rangnick is under pressure for the first time as United’s interim coach, following a home defeat to Wolves last time out in the Premier League.
Villa is also aiming for a response after back-to-back league losses to Brentford and Chelsea since Christmas.
MORE: FA Cup 4th Round draw results
Awaiting tonight’s winner is a favorable home tie against Middlesbrough in early February, with United eyeing a path to FA Cup trophy No.13 and Villa to its eighth.
Sporting News will be following the match live and bringing you live updates and highlights before, during and after the game.
Man United vs. Aston Villa live updates
(All times Eastern, highlights only available in the US)
14:22pm: Dean Henderson was another man expected to be starting for the Red Devils, but according to the MEN, has been left out while he angles for a loan move away in the January transfer window.
14:18pm: Rangnick also says Jadon Sancho was “supposed to be in the squad,” but a hamstring issue has kept the English winger out of contention.
14:12pm: Ronaldo’s absence is down to a minor injury, rather than the No.7 being rested or dropped:
Rangnick on Ronaldo: “I spoke to Cristiano yesterday before training and he said he’d had some problems for the last couple of days, spine minor problems and in the end we decided it would make more sense not to take any risks in a cup game that could last 120 minutes.” #mufc
— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) January 10, 2022
14:00pm: How will Rangnick set his side out? The German could slot Fernandes into the center of a 4-2-3-1, or alternatively continue with his 4-2-2-2 formation. Even with the latter, there’ll be questions over whether Marcus Rashford or Mason Greenwood is alongside Edinson Cavani up top.
13:57pm: And here is Villa’s strong XI, as expected:
13:56pm: United’s full team is here:
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Ralf’s Reds for tonight’s #FACup tie ????#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 10, 2022
13:55pm: Ronaldo misses out! The Portuguese superstar has not even been named on the bench, with compatriot Bruno Fernandes returning to the starting XI as captain.
13:42pm: One man who definitely won’t be on the field tonight is Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian has, however, today completed his Villa medical and is all set to make his debut this coming weekend.
13:40pm: We’re now 15 minutes away from confirmed team news. Will Cristiano Ronaldo be rested ahead of another league meeting with Villa on Saturday?
13:34pm: United is looking to end a five-season trophy drought, with its last piece of silverware being the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League under Jose Mourinho. The Red Devils’ most recent FA Cup triumph came a season earlier, under Louis van Gaal.
13:29pm: Gerrard, who won the FA Cup twice as a Liverpool player, has spoken of the FA Cup’s appeal in his pre-match press conference: “It’s a real tradition, it’s a special competition for everyone who’s English and British because we know it very well. But I think every foreigner who comes into the country, when you’re having conversations with them, the FA Cup always comes up. So, it’s got a name for itself worldwide as well.”
13:22pm: Last time these clubs met at Old Trafford, Villa came away with three points in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes skied a late penalty in a 1-0 defeat back in September.
13:11pm: Rangnick has called on Man United to play with a “different energetic level” to that which the side showed against Wolves. He has also picked out central midfield as Aston Villa’s key strength.
13:02pm: Gerrard’s last appearance as a player against Man United was probably his most painful – the infamous red card at Anfield, just 38 seconds after he was substituted on.
12:55pm: Welcome to Sporting News’ live coverage of Man United vs. Aston Villa. As with last season, there are no replays in the FA Cup 3rd Round — so the tie must be decided tonight, with extra-time and penalties if necessary.
MORE: Bruno Fernandes denies transfer rumors
How to watch Man United vs. Aston Villa
- Date: Monday, Jan. 10
- Time: 2:55 p.m. ET
- Streaming: ESPN+ (subscribers only)
Monday’s FA Cup match between Manchester United and Aston Villa from Old Trafford will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN’s streaming service ESPN+ in the USA.
Man United vs. Aston Villa lineups
Man United starting lineup (4-2-2-2): De Gea (GK) — Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Shaw — Fred, McTominay — Greenwood, Fernandes – Cavani, Rashford.
Aston Villa starting lineup (4-3-3): Martinez (GK) — Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett — Ramsey, Luiz, McGinn — Buendia, Watkins, Ings.
MORE: Why Coutinho’s move to Aston Villa makes sense
Man United vs. Aston Villa betting lines & odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
- Moneyline: Man United -140 / Draw +295 / Aston Villa +400
- Spread (Asian Handicap): Man United -0.5 (+100) / Aston Villa +0.5 (-110)
- O/U 2.5 total goals: Over -120 / Under +100
- Both teams to score: Yes -130 / No +100
