Man Utd hero blasts Erik ten Hag decision for crunch Aston Villa clash - 'Going to suffer'

Ten Hag could lose his job if United crash to another defeat, with multiple reports saying Ruud van Nistelrooy may be appointed his temporary replacement.

United beat Villa home and away last season as they finished eighth in the Premier League table.

And as Ten Hag looks to pick up another victory over Unai Emery, he's decided to roll the dice.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt have been replaced by Maguire and Evans.

But Berbatov, speaking on Sky Sports, feels United will 'suffer' today given the pace Villa possess.

"It's curious for all of us why Erik ten Hag has chosen these centre-backs for this game," he said.

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"The speed of Villa is a danger, I think they're going to suffer."

Berbatov isn't the only former United star left baffled by Ten Hag's decision.

Gary Neville feels this is 'not the plan' and has condemned the United boss as he looks to turn things around.

"United have six centre-backs, if you'd have said five weeks ago you'd end up with Maguire and Evans, I'd say there must be injuries," he said.

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"De Ligt and Martinez have been dumped to the bench.

"The plan was for Ten Hag to establish a style of play. This is not the plan."

Ten Hag, meanwhile, has explained his call.

The Dutchman insists United need to rotate their players, which is why Martinez and De Ligt have been left out of the starting XI.

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"Rotation, We have so much games to cover, so we have to bring them all in," he said.

“Of course, you have to look at the opponent, what is needed for this game, and for every game and you make a choice.”

On whether the mounting pressure contributed to his decision, the former Ajax boss added: "No, nothing to do with that.

"There is always pressure, but no more than any other game."

If United do lose today, Ten Hag is likely to be sacked.

Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate have all emerged as potential replacements - though Van Nistelrooy would likely be given the keys to Old Trafford on a temporary basis.