The Manchester United lineup that should start against Aston Villa

Manchester United begin 2021 by hosting an in-form Aston Villa side in the Premier League on New Year's Day.

Dean Smith's Villans are unbeaten in their last five outings but face a Manchester United side in the midst of an even better glut of domestic form. Since losing to Arsenal on the first day of November, Manchester United have won seven of their subsequent nine Premier League matches, drawing the remaining pair.

A victory on Friday night would take Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's club level on points with league leaders and defending champions Liverpool after 16 games of the season. Three days after their last fixture, Solskjaer has a wealth of factors to consider when picking the team to start their year on a high.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

David De Gea (GK) - Despite doubts which may linger over his dip in form, Solskjaer has only succumbed to the temptation of starting Dean Henderson in place of De Gea for just two Premier League games this season.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - Aside from a rare absence against Leicester City on Boxing Day, Wan-Bissaka's supreme defensive resolve (and inferior attacking impetus) will be called upon against an Aston Villa team adept going forward, particularly down their left-hand side.

Eric Bailly (CB) - With Victor Lindelof likely to be sidelined for another game, the Ivory Coast international should be in line for his fourth consecutive start.

Harry Maguire (CB) - As the most used outfield player across the globe in 2020 according to the CIES Football Observatory, Maguire is set to open his account for 2021 on Friday night.

Alex Telles (LB) - Three months into his Manchester United career - which has been punctuated by a positive coronavirus test - the former Porto fullback is still tussling for first choice status with Luke Shaw.

2. Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CM) - After starting on the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek, the in-form McTominay may be called upon for his defensive qualities in a bid to quell Jack Grealish's surges into the opposition box, rather than making some of his own.

Paul Pogba (CM) - Having started four of United's lasts six Premier League outings, Pogba - whisper it quietly - may actually be putting together a run in the team despite his agent's best efforts.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) - As arguably the best Premier League player of 2020, there are few in the division more capable of carving open chances against an Aston Villa defence which has conceded one goal in their last five matches.

3. Forwards

Mason Greenwood (RW) - The youngster may not quite have recaptured the heights he enjoyed in the second half of last season. But at the tender age of 19, Greenwood has an abundance of time to not only return to that form, but improve upon it, with Friday's fixture his next opportunity.

Anthony Martial (ST) - Having been granted a rest from the starting lineup in midweek, Martial may very well be afforded another chance to add to his measly tally of one Premier League goal this season. With Edinson Cavani suspended, it looks likely.

Marcus Rashford (LW) - The 23-year-old - yes, he's only 23 - ended a dark year he made brighter for so many with the flourish he deserved, netting a late winner against Wolves. Surely he'll be given the chance to start this year in the same way.