Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces significant selection headaches as his side prepares to host Aston Villa at Old Trafford this afternoon, Sunday 21 December 2025. The match kicks off a challenging period without several key figures, forcing the Portuguese coach into tactical and personnel decisions.
Major Absences Disrupt United's Plans
The immediate concern for Amorim is the departure of three players for the Africa Cup of Nations. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) have all linked up with their national teams, creating a notable void on the right flank. Compounding this issue is the suspension of Casemiro, who serves a one-match ban following his red card against Bournemouth.
These absences arrive amid ongoing speculation over the future of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, though Casemiro's suspension does open a potential spot in the engine room alongside captain Bruno Fernandes. The defensive unit also remains without the injured pairing of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt.
Amorim's Tactical Dilemma and Potential Solutions
Faced with these shortages, Amorim has already shown a willingness to be flexible. In the previous match, he abandoned his usual 3-4-3 formation to deploy a back four for the first time since taking charge at United. Further adjustments are expected today as he seeks to compensate for the lost firepower of Mbeumo and Amad.
In terms of direct replacements, Mason Mount's recent improved form positions him as a likely starter in the advanced right role. There is also a boost in attack with the return of Benjamin Sesko from a knee injury. The Slovenian striker came off the bench on Monday and played a part in Matheus Cunha's goal, offering United a much-needed focal point up front.
Midfield Conundrum: A Chance for Ugarte?
While Mainoo dominates the headlines, Casemiro's absence presents a critical opportunity for another player: Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan's move from Paris Saint-Germain has been underwhelming, and even reuniting with his former Sporting CP manager Amorim has yet to spark a revival. With only two Premier League starts this season, this fixture could be a pivotal moment for his United career.
The match between Aston Villa and Manchester United kicks off at 4:30pm and will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Subscribers can also stream the action via the Sky Go app or NOW TV.
