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Two Man United stars "doubts" for Aston Villa contest in blow for Ten Hag

Two Man United stars "doubts" for Aston Villa contest in blow for Ten Hag

Man United could be without two stars for their Carabao Cup clash against Aston Villa, according to reports.

Man United stars Jadon Sancho and Antony are doubts for the Red Devils' Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa on Thursday evening, according to reports.

The Red Devils are already short in attacking positions, with Anthony Martial being nursed back to action after an Achilles injury.

He returned during the 3-1 defeat to Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, with a 25-minute cameo appearance.

Ten Hag has confirmed that Martial will be in the squad to take on the same opposition again tonight, for what would be just his sixth appearance in all competitions this season.

But BBC Sport claim that both Jadon Sancho and Antony are fitness doubts for the match, which could force Ten Hag to change his starting XI plans.

Antony had been ever-present for United this season in the Premier League since making his debut against Arsenal on September 1, up until having to miss the West Ham and Villa games through injury.

He was also absent for the Red Devils' Europa League win over Real Sociedad. He has been named in Brazil's World Cup squad.

Sancho, meanwhile, has missed United's last two games through illness, having been left on the bench for the previous two fixtures against the Hammers and Sheriff Tiraspol.

It has been a difficult season for the 22-year-old England international, with his place in the starting XI not guaranteed under Ten Hag.

The Carabao Cup clash may have been an ideal opportunity for Sancho to return to top form - but he may miss out.

Ten Hag offers Sancho, Antony update

Speaking ahead of the Villa game at a fan Q&A session, Ten Hag revealed his intention to field a strong starting XI as United look to get back to winning ways.

Their 3-1 defeat to Unai Emery's side on Sunday was their first in 10 games - and the Dutchman recognises the importance of bouncing back quickly.

He also provided a fitness update on Sancho, Antony and Martial.

Jadon Sancho in action for Man United (
Alamy)

He explained (quotes via BBC): "We want to play a strong team, and we have only one aim. We have to win, and we want to go through to the next round.

"Anthony Martial, for the last 20 minutes, was back at Villa, so we are happy with that. He will be in the squad. He will have minutes, definitely, if he has recovered.

"On the rest, Jadon Sancho we have to wait. Antony we have to wait on final training."

Red Devils fans will hope both players are passed fit and can help their side through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Carabao Cup, Jadon Sancho, Antony