Confirmed United XI vs Villa: Mainoo out, Ugarte plays in midfield

With Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt injured, Casemiro suspended, and Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui competing in the Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has had a limited selection of players to choose from for his starting XI against Aston Villa today. This situation was made worse today when Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out with a knock before the game. Amorim appears to have stuck with his 3-4-3 formation despite rumours of a switch to four at the back. Defence Senne Lammens is in goal. The back three are Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw. Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu are the wing-backs. Midfield and Attack Bruno Fernandes is joined in midfield by Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan has seen little football this season, but there are simply no other experienced options. Up front, Ben Sesko is flanked by Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount. The fact that Joshua Zirkzee is not selected even in these circumstances does not bode well for his future. Substitutes United have two keepers on the bench, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton. The outfield selection comprises Tyler Fredricson, Tyrell Malacia, Bendito Mantato, Lisandro Martinez, Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacey and Josh Zirkzee. Ruben’s side to take on Aston Villa 👊 pic.twitter.com/xkZlZWK3m3 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 21, 2025 Kick-off at Villa Park is at 4.30pm. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Red Billy Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and two magazines and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy first saw United live in 1971, watching George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, before becoming a League Match ticket book holder from 1975/76 and a writer since 1995. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.