Manchester United early team news vs Aston Villa – 16-year-old star in training

Erik ten Hag invited a 16-year-old Manchester United academy starlet to training as his squad prepares to face Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United have started 2024 in fine form, amassing four wins and a draw during their opening five fixtures of the calendar year.

They most recently defeated West Ham 3-0, with Ramsus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho grabbing the goals for Erik ten Hag, and both players are expected to be fit and start to face Aston Villa, too.

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Unfortunately, Lisandro Martínez has had to return to the treatment table for a further eight weeks after a clash against the Hammers left him with a knee problem, and he is not expected back until the beginning of April.

On a more positive note, Victor Lindelöf returned after two months out, with both Harry Maguire and Raphaël Varane also fit and available to play.

United welcomed 16-year-old left-back Harry Amass to first-team training for the inaugural time, with the youngster having rave reviews as an important part of the fantastic U18s side that has won all 14 of their league games so far this campaign.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has missed the last few games through a leg injury but may be fit in time to play Villa after just missing out on the West Ham game, while Sofyan Amrabat was back in the squad for the first time since his AFCON exit.

Although Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia are back training on grass, these are currently individual sessions, and they will not make their return to the team just yet.

Anthony Martial remains away from the squad as he recovers from groin surgery – he will not be back until April.

Beyond this, Erik ten Hag has an almost full, fit, and healthy squad to choose from as he selects his XI.