Amad Diallo could return for the game against Aston Villa after a long injury layoff

Manchester United coach Erik Ten Hag says Amad Diallo could make a return against Aston Villa after a lengthy layoff, along with ace defender Raphael Varane. 

The young forward is under examination for inclusion in the matchday squad after recuperating from a knee injury he picked up in the pre-season. He has been training with the first team since the opening week of December and we could see him in action against Unai Emery’s Villa.

Meanwhile, Varane is back from illness which had kept him on the sidelines during the dismal outing to West Ham.

Addressing the reporters, Ten Hag said: "I think hopefully Rapha Varane will return. So for the rest: maybe Amad Diallo. See how far he is. He has trained for two weeks now. They are probably the ones who can maybe return."

However, Anthony Martial remains sick, with no update on his return date. Although United at this instance are not planning to trigger the one-year contract extension in Martial’s contract, Ten Hag also stated there are no plans to sell him with immediate effect. 

"He's still unwell," Ten Hag said. "When we have news [on selling Martial], then of course I will tell it. But that is not our aim."

Ten Hag is wary of the Villa threat, who off late have been playing some good football under Emery. United have been wasteful in their recent outing and the boss emphasised on the importance of scoring first and converting their chances. 

"Villa are different side. They are in very good form and are a very good team. So we have first come to that point, but if you are creating the chances, you have to take them if you want to win the game because otherwise you don't win games. That's clear."