Dugout Discussion

Villa v Man Utd team news: Ronaldo’s absence explained, Digne starts

The most-captained ‘active’ player of Double Gameweek 22 is absent from Manchester United’s matchday squad this evening as the Red Devils prepare to face Aston Villa.

Kick-off in the Midlands is at 17:30 GMT.

Cristiano Ronaldo was handed the armband by over 1.5 million Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers in Gameweek 22, with 52% of the top 10k doing likewise.

He missed United’s cup clash with Villa on Monday as a precaution because of a hip issue but returned to training later in the week, with Ralf Rangnick saying in Friday’s pre-match press conference that he expected him to be fit for the weekend.

But he’s missing altogether at Villa Park, with FPL owners facing an anxious wait to see if he recovers for the match against Brentford on Wednesday – and Rangnick would only say that he was “hopeful” that that would be the case:

“With Cristiano, it’s unfortunately still the same problem with his hip flexor. He couldn’t train yesterday, and I had a conversation with him. After training, we decided that it doesn’t make sense if he’s not feeling fully fit to take the trip here. It makes sense to have treatment at home and then hopefully be available again for the game on Wednesday at Brentford.” – Ralf Rangnick

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford also miss out because of illness and a dead leg respectively, while Harry Maguire, Phil Jones and Jadon Sancho are only among the substitutes after their own recoveries from injury.

“Aaron (Wan-Bissaka) unfortunately is ill, that’s the reason why he couldn’t travel with us.

“Harry (Maguire) was out for two weeks, I’m happy to have him back in the squad again but I decided to stay with the two central defenders that played on Monday. With all the games coming up in the next couple of days, it’s most likely that he will play again then.

“Marcus (Rashford) conceded a dead leg two days ago in training. At first, it didn’t seem to be that bad, but overnight it got worse and he couldn’t train yesterday.” – Ralf Rangnick

All three of Rangnick’s changes from Monday’s cup tie are enforced, with Rashford sidelined and Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay suspended. Teenager Anthony Elanga, Alex Telles and Nemanja Matic come into the side.

As for Villa, one of their new signings starts and the other is on the bench.

Lucas Digne makes his debut and replaces Matt Targett at left-back, while Morgan Sanson is in for the suspended John McGinn in midfield.

Philippe Coutinho has to make do with a place among the substitutes.

DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 22 LINE-UPS

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Sanson, Douglas Luiz, Ramsey, Watkins, Ings, Buendia

Subs: Steer, Targett, Young, Coutinho, Hayden, Hause, Chukwuemeka, Archer, Iroegbunam

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Telles, Fred, Matic, Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Elanga, Cavani

Subs: Heaton, Henderson, Jones, Maguire, Mata, Lingard, Sancho, Van de Beek

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1,580 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Dave the 2nd.

  2. Salalalalah
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Rake up the save points DDG!

  3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ding Dong on all the dead bals

  4. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    AVL not looking good. Was hoping Watkins would show to advantage with EVE coming up.

  5. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    De Gea 10 points, you heard it here first

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      My (c)

      1. Steve McCroskey
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Huge if true

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      No, Avl will score

  6. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I’m beginning to think digne just isn’t a very good player

    1. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He'll get plenty of points in the shape of assists this season I reckon.

  7. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is GW23 likely or is it too late? Presume we would have expected an announcement by now?

  8. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Dave save points

  9. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    how do you see what chips people have played?

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Just have to scroll back through their GWs I think

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Click game week history

    3. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      It's at the bottom of either the Transfer History or Gameweek History.

    4. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Nothing

    5. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      GW History for individuals, Live FPL for the game as a whole

  10. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Rashford normally wins the penalties, shame shame he's missing 🙂

    1. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Rashford is pure crap.

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Gashford*

    3. JBG
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Martial was that player.

  11. Ian J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Did I miss something or unlucky?
    My mini league rivals have brought in Fernandes and captaining him - I never saw any comments on here about him being a good pick
    Missing Ronaldo (c), Spurs & Leicester postponements & Dalot on bench (as everyone said he wouldn’t play) means I have no DGW players - I shall switch off and wait until this horror show is over.
    Wishing everyone else better luck

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      So you base all your decisions on what is being said here? Almost everyone here picked Shaw when the season started!

      1. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        and Barnes, don't forget Barnes lol.

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Hahaha.

    2. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      The Ronaldo not playing news was floating around for a few days at least. That would mean Bruno should shine (you'd imagine anyway - these people probably had that train of thought).

      Just prior to the deadline the news of the NLD being cancelled was about so that made Kane less attractive. Most had Son (after switching Salah out) so Fernandes was the obvious punt.

    3. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Think it was just a bit of a case of there being no other obvious premium options with Ronaldo rumoured to be out and Kane likely to end up with just a SGW. It may balance out with the Brentford game. I need Dennis to do something (if their game goes ahead, that is). Good luck!

    4. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Switch to a diamond plus hugh chance of no bickering with ronaldo

    5. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He was a giant punt but a reasonable one for a DGW, especially for those of us with a Son sized hole in our midfields. With Ron not playing, that probably helps Bruno also.

    6. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      My plan was to get Ronaldo and Maddisson, maybe Moura, but Ronaldo very much doubt, Maddisson losing a game so next in line was Bruno. Lucky, I know but I take it 🙂

    7. Not again Shirley
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If I could have afforded Son to Bruno for free I would have made that transfer and possibly captained but too risky for a hit. He was very lucky with the goal too. In hindsight it would have been worth the hit but no one knows the future.

    8. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      So if no one tells to do something you won’t do it?

    9. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      It was just a punt given the circumstances and Bruno’s form. Nobody could predict Martinez being a proper Numpty

  12. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    https://twitter.com/MattGarrahan/status/1482364435255676933?s=20

    "What are your thoughts ahead of the match?"

    Lmao

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Love the guy. Screenshot getting framed and hung on my living room wall. Hahaha!

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Wtf looool

  13. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    DDG 1 save point

    1. fplgaruda
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Woohoo

  14. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Why is the commentator hyping up average saves?

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Its DDH

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        The man who has no distribution abilities and can’t command his area…

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Fashionable to say great save when it’s straight at them

      Or ‘good reflexes’ when it literally would have hit him if he hadn’t moved

  15. JJO
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Why is Bruno playing behind Matic and Fred?
    What t f are you doing Ragnick?

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He isn’t ‘behind’ them.
      Looks like he’s on the left of a midfield three to me…

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I agree, left of three

  16. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    So the real winners this week were the Bruno Cappers

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Not even halfway yet

      1. fantasyfog
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        1/4 of the way yet... you're welcome

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Well over a quarter youre also welcome. 6th game of 12

          1. fantasyfog
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Keep up mate, Bruno (c) 45 mins of 180, do the math

            1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 3 months ago

              Hes talking about the gameweek not Bruno, wakey wakey my dear fellow

              1. fantasyfog
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 3 months ago

                Read the comment you numpty

                1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
                  • 10 Years
                  2 years, 3 months ago

                  I did its just a shame you cant interpret it properly. The real winners of this gamweek will be decided when its over and all points are added. Nothing to do with how long Bruno has left. Numpty

                  1. fantasyfog
                    • 8 Years
                    2 years, 3 months ago

                    Ah man, bless, I loves ya, and don't worry, there will be other game weeks ; )

                2. fplgaruda
                  • 2 Years
                  2 years, 3 months ago

                  Lol.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Let's wait for the GW to get over.

    3. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Who’d have thunk it huh!

    4. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Or hopefully Ronaldo (c) & Bruno (vc) by Wednesday

    5. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yes. He was the obvious captain option. Took a hit to bring him in.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        He was far from the obvious captain.

        But good luck to ya.

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Obvious to me* 😎

          1. AC/DC AFC
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            S lucky bounce and keeper slip up.

            Nostradamus.

          2. Bushwhacker
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Foresight to see Ronaldo not playing and Martinez being a donkey. Astounding!

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Currently on 2 points with the 4 point hit for Bruno.

      3. Gunneryank
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        That's just not true lol. He's a good punt for those that could afford to move to him from Son.

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          KDB was the better move.

          1. Gunneryank
            • 2 Years
            2 years, 3 months ago

            Maybe you're right. But we won't know until after United play the 2nd match.

    6. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Wait until he gets red carded in 2nd half...

    7. Tigers Time
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      So far the real winners this week were the KDB Cappers - hands up if that's you!

    8. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      *gets a yellow 🙂

  17. Drumandbaines123
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    This GW can get straight in the bin already.

  18. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If I was a Bruno capper, I'd have taken a shower by now

    Rare goalkeeping error...

  19. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Fabio Borges HOF No1 and Magnus Carlsen both brought in Bruno and gave him the armband.

    Neither could bring in Ronaldo without taking a hit.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Both got supremely lucky Martinez fumbled a shot straight at him, let's be fair.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      With Ronaldo doubts the move made sense.

      The first half goal is luck.

      Them the breaks sometimes.

    3. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      So? I bought in Trossard and he missed a sitter. Thats a better transfer than a 11.6 midfielder with nothing in like 20 games even with that miss. Just what football is about, some times big chances gets missed and a shot from 30yards goes in after goalie fumbles.

    4. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Exactly what I did. Had to get rid of Ramsdale, had Son - too many moves to get to Ronny so brought in DDG and Bruno (couldn't bring in KDB as alreayd had 3 City players). Once Bruno was in team basically had to give him the armband as no other better choices in my team. He's not the captain we need right now, but he is the captain we deserve... 😉

  20. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Coutinho or Silva?

    1. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      For what? Who has better hair?

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Coutinho once you accept you might get a benching next GW to build up minutes, should be good thereafter.

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        cheers Rainer

  21. 2EyedTurk
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Put me out of my misery...am I the only idiot who did a FH, Ronaldo captain, triple Spurs and took out KDB and Cancelo?!!!

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Nope.

      1. 2EyedTurk
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thank you kind Sir!

  22. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    It’s mad that Bruno actually scored. Been a total tire this season, the only reason he is in any team is because there was no one else to spend the money on.
    I own him but I know it’s a joke

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Honesty. Well done sir.

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He’s hit an absolutely awful shot and Martinez has thrown it in

      We are very lucky

    3. lugs
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      i brought him in on WC to captain and use as a placeholder for Salah, first time owning this season too 🙂

    4. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yep we are lucky, thanks

    5. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah lol. That's a great point. Where do you spend it without taking a bunch of hits to configure things? Besides KDB of course lol (good on ya Kevin owners).

      Besides, now we have a route back to Salah in a single move. Tidy.

    6. Hiiler
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      It was lucky yeah, but still a goal in a long while. Would be nice to see him sitting out the next game as all those sitting out this game start to score. 😀

      Like it happened in case of West Ham last week. At first antonio captain looked like a better idea, but them at second game Bowen hauled. 🙂

  23. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ronaldo cap fail

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Hope he takes the week off now.

    2. Sim Simma
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      It's only half-time, still has 90 minutes to play

    3. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Do we think he starts on Wednesday? Worst thing would be 1 pointer off the bench against Brentford

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        That is exactly what will happen

    4. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Hattrick v Brentford

  24. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Any wolves fans know why Marcal didnt play today?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      He's injured.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Injury, won't be getting back in unless Ait-Nouri gets hurt.

      1. Netters2018
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks alt nouri nailed now then? Would you go him over semedo and save 0.5m?

        1. Gunneryank
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          For Wolves i would just get Coady. Kinda wish i hadn't ever sold him.

    3. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Because he's rubbish.

  25. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Im seeing rashford in peoples sides

    I think it’s because Andy mentioned he was bringing him in 😆

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Better off being hacked

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      People are letting school dinners cloud their judgement. Need to think less about turkey dinosaurs and potato wedges and more about goals and assists

  26. putana
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    seems really unlikely ronaldo could go from not even making the bench to then playing 90 minutes. This is assuming he's actually injured

    1. Gunneryank
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Might just be a positive test too.

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      True. Hopefully he gets few minutes cameo against Brentford.

  27. Not again Shirley
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Would like Villa to score today but have a feeling they will fail and DDG will get his CS.

    1. putana
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      went sanchez over him so im hoping for the same

  28. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Gray and Dcl, GTFO of my team

  29. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Moaning, cheat YC

  30. Firmino
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    YES! Bruno YC!

    1. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Nice