Manchester United can exact some quick-fire revenge on Unai Emery and Aston Villa tonight in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Soundly beaten by the Villa boss in his first game in charge only a few days ago, losing two on the spin to a side previously struggling would be unpalatable for Erik ten Hag.
While few would argue there have been signs of progress in the League under his watch, any trophy at all feels vitally important for United. It has been five long years since the club lifted silverware and although there are bigger prizes on offer than the League Cup, they cannot afford to be picky at this stage.
Still, Emery is renowned for his ability to master these kind of competitions and a meeting with Premier League opposition at this early stage is never ideal. Follow all of the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Live updates
Tired looking teams
36:00 – This looks like one game too many for most of the players.
Such sloppy play all over the park.
CHANCE FOR ASTON VILLA!
32:00 – Trusty as ever from corners, Douglas Luiz’s delivery has to be cleared by McTominay before it goes straight into the back of the net.
Good spell from Villa.
Villa moving up the pitch
30:00 – After a good spell from Man United, Villa are progressing up the field.
Not a huge amount of convinction in their play when they do get as far as the United penalty-box, however.
CHANCE FOR MAN UNITED!
25:00 – Great work from Rashford and Malacia, with the latter overlapping after the former had isolated Ashley Young before crossing over to Dalot,
The defender, however, sees his effort blocked for a corner. Which comes to nothing.
United offside
20:00 – Martial taps in from a Rashford cross but the United forwards are flagged well offside.
Villa having a lot of the ball, though mainly in their own area.
Sloppy play
17:00 – Both Ramsey and McTominay in good positions to feed strikers but lack that killer pass.
Making for a congested midfield.
Villa compact
14:00 – Of little surprise of course given Emery’s arrival but, as compact as they are, there are some teething issues.
The balls coming forward are too hopeful, with Watkins having to feed off scraps.
United getting on the ball now
10:00 – The home side looking a lot more comfortable now, with Rashford and Malacia interchanging in some really sharp United movement.
Risky business from Villa
05:00 – Martial looking to get in behind Chambers, who dawdles before heading back to Olsen.
United almost in there. Lively start to this one.
High Villa press
02:00 – Maguire having to go all the way back to Dubravka, two players who haven’t exactly looked comfortable of late.
