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The Game of the Day feature on Monday deals with Steven Gerrard’s return to the home of the old enemy in the hope of Ralf Rangnicks Man Utd …
« Seven of Man Utd’s last nine games have gone under 2.5 goals and Ralf Rangnick is focused on defense as he’s looking for a much-needed result. »
The game Monday’s day is full of intrigue as Steven Gerrard goes behind enemy lines as he brings Aston Villa to Old Trafford for the FA Cup.
Rumors of rioting in the Manchester United squad continue and the last thing Old Trafford fans want to see when the former Liverpool captain knocks them out of the FA Cup.
Here’s what to look for in this great game, along with our two suggested bets that YOU can vote for to raise the price specifically from the Betfair dealers …
Ralf Rangnick had to last time he took his first loss as Man Utd boss to Wolves, but it came from poor performance for most of his brief tenure.
An instant surge in running and pressing stats against Crystal Palace subsided, and it took a penalty and David De Gea masterclass to beat bottom Norwich before scooping a point at Newcastle.
Burnley was pushed aside but Wolves dominated from start to finish and it is clear that United’s players are either unable or unwilling to adopt Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2 system at the moment follow.
« Phil Jones should be proud of himself. » « Maybe the manager can come up with a few ideas. » Luke Shaw talks about #MUFC’s defeat and praises Phil Jones for his performance after a two-year absence. pic.twitter.com/V8mitOGlBG
Whether or not they’ll adjust over time remains to be seen, but the rumble of dissatisfaction from the locker room suggests they’re not exactly happy with a new, more defensive play style. Goals have been difficult to score and unless they are saved by individual brilliance they will continue to look toothless against better opponents. Something has to give way because there’s enough quality in this squad to play so much better than it was, so either the players have to strike or the coach has to change their behavior.
Only six games in Rangnick’s tenure and reports of player unrest are already circulating – maybe the mistakes at Old Trafford are not just due to the manager?
Roy Keane previously questioned the attitudes of the players in that locker room, and Gary Neville also said team spirit was an issue after Ronaldo snuck his way down the Newcastle tunnel.
« There is a leadership battle. Harry Maguire is the captain, but he doesn’t feel like the captain. »
« At least they try. » Ralf Rangnick reacts to the rumors of unrest among players at #MUFC pic.twitter.com/88jhLDhcVv
At least Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seemed to have the players largely in his corner, but indoor fights and an alleged lack of respect for Rangnick as coach are a big concern.
He’s already signed a deal to move up and shape United’s sporting direction and will also help with the selection of a new permanent manager, but this uncertainty seems to be compounding the problem – especially with players who whose contracts expire.
Rangnick was brought in to give United a clear direction for their future both on and off the pitch, but it seems the situation is only adding to the chaotic clutter over their identities and prospects. It’s something he needs to sort out now to avoid another losing season.
Steven Gerrard had some good and bad times with Liverpool at Old Trafford, and you wouldn’t know that the fixture list games have raised back-to-back games against the old enemy – with Villa just five days later United in the premier League receives? FA Cup clash.
He then goes to Goodison Park to fight Rafa Benitez ‘Everton afterwards!
Gerrard has signed former Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona, which shows how strong he can be as a coach.
Gerrard played Man Utd 35 times with a record of W13 D2 L20 and he will hope that playing them for the first time as a coach will be a happier opportunity than his last as a player – when he was famously 38 seconds after his departure was sent off by the bank as a half-time substitute at Anfield Road.
Villa will have Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings back after missing out on the Brentford loss that has seen Gerrard four wins and four losses so far. He would like to take something back with him from his first managerial trip behind enemy lines.
Man Utd are 8/11 favorites here, Villa has a big price tag 4/1 as they have already won once at Old Trafford this season, and Kortney Home is heading for a late 1-0 win which perfectly triggers Solskjaer’s downfall this summer.
« Nobody is more frustrated and disappointed than me because I missed the penalty and the resulting defeat » Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes was frustrated after his 1-0 Premier League loss to Aston on Saturday Villa missed stoppage time but he vowed to come back stronger.
With Harry Maguire doubtful, Victor Lindelof just returned from Covid and Eric Baily in the international game, United have defensive concerns with the possibility that Phil Jones will return as Central defender could start.
While neither coach was in charge last time, expect a similar close game but after Villa dominated the Wolves Villa will think they can cause real problems too.
And it’s been a long time since Villa won an FA Cup draw, with the club losing their last six games in competition – the longest streak the seven-time winner has ever had.
We shouldn’t expect too many goals as only two of the last nine Man Utd games have been over 2.5 goals in the game. Under 2.5 goals here is 10/11.
Cristiano Ronaldo has a 5/6 chance but you’re just wondering if Rangnick will give him a break. He probably would have done it if he wasn’t under so much pressure to get a result here, so it’s a risky move. United has to stay in the house right now for every cutlery they can.
Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood would offer a lot of attacking power, however, and this looks like a game Jesse Lingard could be involved in after not playing in a month but his future at stake – Lingard could be an influence.
Bruno Fernandes should start after he left the bench against Wolves and you still feel like he plays better when Ronaldo is not on the field and can be the captain.
Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins will be Villa’s greatest attack threat, with former Liverpool striker Ings scoring 15/8 and Watkins 11/4. And Villa should be able to get a lot of ball when United play like they did against the Wolves.
Villa should also get set pieces chances as United don’t look particularly well organized, while referee Michael Oliver may be busy as only two teams in the Premier League have seen more yellow cards than these two teams.
Especially Mings, who is trying to lead by example, is cheered on by his manager and it would be no surprise if his name was adopted.
He stars in our two suggested OddsBoosts below, the price of which YOU may have raised from the Betfair dealers by watching for a vote on social media.
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