Manchester United travel to Villa Park this weekend to face an Aston Villa side that Jadon Sancho has been trying to break into.
Ruben Amorim will hope to bounce back to winning ways after Manchester United’s chaotic 4-4 draw against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
But up next is a challenging visit to an in-form Aston Villa side who have won nine games in a row across all competitions.
The 2024/25 season ended on a high with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at home.
This time around, Amorim will make his first-ever trip to Villa Park and will be reunited with some familiar faces, including Jadon Sancho.
Jadon Sancho headshot, Aston Villa
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Is Jadon Sancho eligible to face Man United?
Sancho was in Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ over the summer, consisting of players who had been picked out to leave the club.
After months without any progress towards an exit, Sancho signed with Aston Villa on loan for the 2025/26 season. Considering his United contract expires in the summer, he is currently set to become a free agent rather than return to Old Trafford.
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According to the current Premier League handbook, Sancho is not eligible to play for Villa this weekend because he cannot face his parent club while out on loan.
It means Emery will be without the 25-year-old for Sunday’s clash, but frankly, Sancho is struggling for minutes anyway.
Man United could be reunited with Victor Lindelof
While Sancho will be forced to sit in the stands for United’s visit this weekend, former Red Devils defender Victor Lindelof is available.
Lindelof was released by United and signed permanently with Villa in the summer.
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Last weekend, Lindelof got an assist on his first start for Villa in the Premier League. Emery was delighted with the Swedish defender, and he could stay put in the starting XI for Sunday.
Lindelof spent eight years with United before moving on in the summer. He can expect a warm reception from the travelling United fanbase. The same cannot be said for Sancho.
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