How Manchester United could line up against Aston Villa

Manchester United are expected to be boosted by the returns of Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho and Phil Jones for Saturday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

All four players were absent against Villa in the FA Cup on Monday, but interim head coach Ralf Rangnick is likely to have the quartet available for selection at Villa Park.

Paul Pogba is currently the team's only confirmed absentee through injury, but Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay are suspended, while Eric Bailly is in action at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nemanja Matic could take McTominay's spot in midfield alongside Fred, while Ronaldo is likely to be joined in the final third by Edinson Cavani, with Marcus Rashford dropping out following another disappointing performance in the 1-0 win over Villa in the FA Cup.

There have been suggestions that Rangnick could opt for a midfield diamond this weekend, but Donny van de Beek is still unlikely to start, with the Netherlands international currently being linked with a loan move.

Diogo Dalot is also a doubt due to a slight ankle problem, so Aaron Wan-Bissaka could feature at right-back, while Alex Telles will start at left-back due to Shaw's absence.

Rangnick has plenty of options for the midfield spots behind his front two, and Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood could be given the nod behind Ronaldo and Cavani on Saturday.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fred, Matic; Greenwood, Fernandes; Ronaldo, Cavani