Man United vs. Aston Villa: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Aston Villa's strong form and the confidence gained from securing Champions League football make them the favourites for this match. Manchester United, despite home advantage, have struggled for consistency and are battling significant injury concerns. While United will be desperate to finish the season on a positive note, Aston Villa's tactical discipline and attacking prowess are likely to prove decisive. Manchester United 1-3 Aston Villa

Manchester United are looking to end the season on a high note, while Aston Villa are in search of a crucial three points in their quest for Champions League football.

• Date: 25/05/2025
• Location: Old Trafford, Manchester
• Kick-Off Time: 16:00

Manchester United come into this game at arguably their lowest point since relegation from the First Division in the 1970s having lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur after already securing their lowest league finish and points total in the Premier League era.

Defeat in Bilbao was a very, very sour experience for a squad, manager, fanbase and ownership that needed the trophy sorely. The fanbase desperately needed something to cheer about, the squad needed a serious injection of self-belief and Ruben Amorim sorely needed a catalyst to kickstart his career as Manchester United manager. Now, he faces a mammoth uphill battle to overturn what has been the worst start to a managerial career at the club in many a year.

Amorim is expected to get the summer to try and mould the squad (and any new additions) into a team that reflects his vision, but it's safe to say that he's now walking on thin ice. If United start the season in a similar fashion to how they've performed since Amorim's arrival in September, he's not going to last long.

The truth is that United are likely in for a rough next few years with the club's sporting and financial situation in disarray. There's no quick fix for the predicament the club is in and after a decade of suffering post-Alex Ferguson, fans may have to prepare for an even longer road back to the top.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, have an opportunity to seal what would mark an excellent campaign. Villa are level on points with Newcastle (4th) and Chelsea (5th) and will feel as though they have a real chance of securing a top-five finish if they can pick up three points here.

After a strong run in the Champions League that saw them narrowly lose to finalists PSG in the quarter-finals, a second successive season in Europe's premier competition would represent serious progression in Villa's quest to establish themselves back amongst the elite in England. With the club's ambitions often bound by PS&R restrictions, Champions League qualification is an abolute must for them.

They are, though, reliant on results elsewhere, with the Midlands club needing to better the result of either Newcastle or Chelsea. Or, alternatively, a Villa win and a Manchester City defeat at Fulham would see them secure a top-five finish. With the margins so tight, Villa will be full of hope that they can pull off what would be a huge achievement for the club.

This game will be televised live to all subscribed viewers in the UK on TNT Sports 1.

Manchester United Team News:

United continue to contend with a few injury issues. Lisandro Martinez (knee) and Matthijs de Ligt (knee) are major doubts, with Martinez expected to be out for the remainder of the year.

Predicted lineup Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Dalot, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dorgu; Fernandes, Diallo; Zirkzee

Aston Villa Team News:

Aston Villa also have a few players sidelined. Marcus Rashford is ineligible to play against his parent club, but as he's carrying an injury he'd be unavailable regardless.

Youri Tielemans (muscle) remains a doubt. However, Jacob Ramsey is set to return after serving a one-match suspension.

Predicted lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Kamara; Rogers, Asensio, McGinn; Watkins

Manchester United:

• Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Manchester United (UEL, L)
• Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United (L)
• Manchester United 0-2 West Ham United (L)
• Manchester United 4-1 Athletic Bilbao (UEL, W)
• Brentford 4-3 Manchester United (L)

Manchester United's recent form has been concerning, with four losses and one draw in their last five Premier League matches. They have struggled for goals and defensive solidity in the league, reflecting their challenging season. Their only positive result in this period was a win against Athletic Bilbao, while defeats to Chelsea, West Ham, Brentford, and Tottenham highlight their current struggles.

Aston Villa:

• Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur (W)
• AFC Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa (W)
• Aston Villa 1-0 Fulham (W)
• Crystal Palace 3-0 Aston Villa (FA Cup, L)
• Manchester City 2-1 Aston Villa (L)

Aston Villa's recent form has been strong, securing four wins and one loss in their last five Premier League games and three wins from their last three overall. Their victories against Tottenham, Bournemouth, Fulham, and Newcastle underscore their strong attacking play and defensive resilience. Their only league defeat came against Manchester City, highlighting their ability to compete with the league's top teams.

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