FA Cup 3rd round: Expect tight Man United vs Aston Villa cup clash

Manchester United are offered the opportunity to answer their critics in a Monday night FA Cup tie with Aston Villa.

The Red Devils find themselves once again under fire following a lamentable showing in a 1-0 reverse to Wolves. Defeat leaves them seventh in the Premier League and badly in need of a morale-boosting victory.

They are on offer at 1.69 to achieve just that, while Villa are priced at 5.00 to win at Old Trafford for a second time this season. Meanwhile, a draw after 90 minutes is available at 3.85.

Not so united?

Ralf Rangnick already finds himself under pressure at Old Trafford, despite suffering his first defeat as interim manager last Monday. However, previous matches drawn or won narrowly against mediocre opponents inspired little confidence, with many critics suggesting there has been no improvement since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer departed.

Rumours of widespread player discontent have followed, although the FA Cup should offer the opportunity for disgruntled squad players to prove their worth.

Man Utd have won in the third round of the competition in each of the last seven years and have beaten Villa on the six previous occasions they have faced in the Cup since losing the 1957 final.

Furthermore, the Red Devils have won their last nine FA Cup home matches by an aggregate score of 20-2.

Can Cristiano Ronaldo give Ralf Rangnick a boost with a match-winning performance against Aston Villa?

Villa’s FA Cup woes

Aston Villa are presented with the opportunity to become just the fourth team in history to beat Manchester United twice in the same season at Old Trafford. Interestingly, they completed the feat themselves in 1919/20, with Tottenham (1989/90) and Chelsea (2004/05) since replicating their achievement.

A late strike from Kortney Hause in the dying weeks of the Dean Smith era gave Villa a 1-0 success in September. What followed was a five-game losing streak that saw the manager lose his post and Steven Gerrard arrive from Rangers.

Under the Liverpool legend, Villa have performed admirably. Although they have won four and lost four of their fixtures, three of these defeats have come against clubs occupying podium spots in the Premier League.

The Birmingham side’s recent history in the FA Cup, meanwhile, has been lamentable. They have lost their last six matches in the competition and have not won away in normal time against a Premier League club since beating Everton 2-1 in 2000.

More of the same from United

Although a reaction is demanded from Manchester United, there has been little evidence that one will arrive.

Instead, the trend under Rangnick has been tight, low-scoring games, so it makes sense to back Under 2.5 goals, which is available at 2.02. This bet has been a winner in five of six matches since the German took over.

Recommended Bet:

Goals Over/Under: Under 2.5 @ 2.02.